Smart door sensors to step up protection for elderly only households

Sensor devices have been installed on the front doors of 104 elderly single and couple households in Lok Wah South Estate, under a joint project by the South Kowloon Lions Club and the Lok Wah South Care Team.

The sensor devices can track whether a door is open or closed within a set time, usually 48 hours.

If the door does not open or close in that time frame, the device automatically sends an alert to designated contacts, reminding them to check in.

Seventy-six-year old Mr. Zhang, who has lived alone since his wife passed away, said that when he worked as a security supervisor, he once found an elderly person who had passed away at home four days before.

That experience deeply affected him, and he had long thought about how to protect the elderly living alone.

He said this device now makes that idea a reality.

As of last month, the system had issued 226 alerts.

Among them, 46 required door-to-door checks because designated contacts could not be reached, and 13 were referred to the Housing Department when the situation could not be clarified.

Most alerts were due to sudden hospitalisation or travel, and all cases were eventually confirmed safe.

Kwun Tong District Councillor LEE KA-HANG: "This device is free of charge and the users don't have to pay any money."

Lee also added the device does not store personal information.

It only tracks whether the door is open or closed.

The project was launched last October.

The care team will continue to improve its alarm response procedures and strengthen communications with family members to provide more comprehensive support for the old.