Seoul Jung-gu Manages Health and Safety of Elderly Living Alone Using IoT Devices

Health and Safety Management of 240 Elderly Living Alone Using IoT Devices... Devices Detect Movement, Indoor Temperature, Lighting, Humidity, Fire, Gas, and Connect to Mobile App

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Jung-gu, Seoul (Mayor Seoyangho) announced that it has been expanding the 'Health and Safety Management Solution (IoT) Project for Elderly Living Alone' throughout this year, receiving great response.

This project installs Internet of Things (IoT) devices in the homes of elderly living alone to detect their movements, indoor temperature, illuminance, humidity, fire, gas, and other factors. The information is then transmitted to the smartphone app of the care worker for real-time monitoring, providing customized care services for the elderly.

If no movement is detected for a certain period or abnormal signs are sensed, the assigned care worker immediately contacts the elderly living alone, visits them, or takes emergency measures such as connecting to 119, responding to the crisis accordingly.

This year, as outdoor activities decreased due to COVID-19 and face-to-face care services became difficult, the district installed 118 IoT devices targeting households of elderly living alone.

From 2018 to 2019, 122 devices were installed over two years, and this year the related project was significantly expanded compared to previous years. Currently, a total of 240 households of elderly living alone are receiving care services using these devices.

Monitoring is being conducted by 61 care workers from three welfare centers performing customized care services for the elderly.

A district official stated that such non-face-to-face health and safety management will help prevent lonely deaths among elderly living alone who have weak social networks and greatly contribute to minimizing blind spots in care.

Furthermore, amid the recent rapid increase in single-person households, care services utilizing IoT technology will continue, and the distribution of devices is planned to expand annually.

The project targets elderly receiving customized care services, and services can be applied for at the local community service centers. However, the provision of services is determined through selection surveys and consultations. Interested residents can inquire at the Jung-gu Social Welfare Division, Elderly Welfare Team.

Seoyangho, Mayor of Jung-gu, said, "With the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, care blind spots are increasing among elderly living alone. We will actively utilize IoT, artificial intelligence, and other technologies to ensure that those in need of care receive proper support."

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