Songpa-gu Installs 'Smart Plugs' in Middle-Aged and Older Single-Person Households to Prevent Solitary Deaths

Installed in 277 Middle-Aged Single-Person Households at Risk of Solitary Death... Monitoring Solitary Death Risk through Power Usage and Illumination Changes

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Songpa-gu (Mayor Park Seong-su) will install ‘smart plugs’ using Internet of Things (IoT) technology for middle-aged single-person households starting in December, ahead of the winter season when solitary deaths increase.

The ‘smart plug’ is a device that measures the power consumption and light level changes of home appliances commonly used in households, and if there is no change for a certain period, it sends a danger signal via text message to the social welfare officer’s mobile phone.

In particular, the detection time for danger can be set differently from 24 hours to 50 hours depending on the user’s condition, allowing separate management of high-risk groups.

In response to the increased need for non-face-to-face welfare services in the COVID-19 era, the district secured a budget through a Seoul city public contest project and plans to install smart plugs in 277 middle-aged single-person households during this winter season.

Upon receiving a danger signal, the social welfare officer immediately checks on the person by phone or visits the residence directly. If necessary, they will provide customized services to resolve crisis situations by linking with Songpa-gu Care SOS Center’s emergency care services, emergency support, and private resources.

Since 2018, the district has conducted an annual full survey of single-person households to prevent solitary deaths and eliminate welfare blind spots. As of October 2020, Songpa-gu had 95,041 single-person households, and customized services such as self-help groups, welfare meal delivery, dentures, and twice-weekly welfare check services are provided to identified high-risk groups for solitary death.

Mayor Park Seong-su of Songpa-gu stated, “The increase in middle-aged and elderly single-person households has made solitary death a serious social issue,” adding, “With the enforcement of the ‘Solitary Death Prevention Act’ scheduled for April next year, we will make every effort to prepare prevention and support measures at the district level.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.