(Hong Kong, March 9, 2026) With an ageing population in Hong Kong, the number of singleton or doubleton elderly households continue to increase. We are seeing an increasing number of cases where seniors accidentally fell at home and were unable to call for medical help, leading to delayed rescue or even fatalities. In response to such social needs, the Senior Citizen Home Safety Association (SCHSA) has launched a new "Smart Accident Detection System and Service" pilot scheme. The system utilizes a "Smart AI fall detector" (the "fall detector") to monitor whether seniors have accidentally fallen at home or have not left a designated area for a long period of time. The system allows early identification of accidents so that SCHSA can provide adequate support.

To assist high-risk seniors, the Labour and Welfare Bureau (LWB) and the HKEX Foundation provided generous funding for the pilot scheme. SCHSA will provide 24 months of free detection and supporting services for approximately 300 high risk elderly households. Concurrently, in collaboration with The Solar Foundation Limited and The Tsang Man Dat Charitable Fund, SCHSA will offer the system to an additional 200 households, benefiting a total of about 500 elderly households. The Association also extends its gratitude to the Hong Kong Housing Authority for providing valuable technical advice during the installation process in public housing units.

Free 24-month services for elderly households

One of the beneficiaries under the pilot scheme is 81-year-old Mrs Ng, who currently lives with her husband with hearing difficulties. Mrs Ng has long been troubled by health issues including cataracts, hypertension, and diabetes. Last year, she got up at 5 am and accidentally fell on her way to the bathroom. She remained unconscious for about two hours before regaining consciousness. Experiencing pain all over her body, Mrs Ng tried to seek help from her husband in the bedroom without success. She managed to climb onto a chair and called the police for help. Mrs Ng was subsequently sent to the hospital, where she was admitted for over a month and underwent physical therapy. She has since been discharged successfully.

Speaking of the incident, Mrs Ng is still shaken by the experience. "Of course I was terrified. I'm usually quite tough, but that day I didn't even know how I fell before I blacked out. Even now, I'm still very afraid of suddenly falling and faint again." To avoid a repeat of the scenario, Mrs Ng applied for the pilot scheme to receive support from SCHSA.

SCHSA installed the "fall detector" for Mrs Ng in early February this year. Mrs Ng expressed gratitude for SCHSA as she no longer needs to worry about falling accident. "Now I'm not afraid anymore. If I fall, the (Care-on-Call) staff will check if I'm okay. It gives me much more peace of mind. My husband also feels more at ease and less stressed."

Ms. Maura Wong, Chief Executive Officer of the Senior Citizen Home Safety Association, said, "SCHSA has always closely followed the needs of Hong Kong's elderly to innovate its services. From traditional wired “Personal Emergency Link(PEL)” to wireless PEL; from the Safety Phone to the latest "New Mobile Link", SCHSA has consistently stood with the elderly, responding to their urgent needs. As SCHSA approaches its 30^th anniversary, the official launch of the "Smart Accident Detection System and Service" pilot scheme also symbolizes a step forward for SCHSA, evolving from 'Safety Guardianship' to 'Proactive Detection ', redefining ageing in place at home."

AI fall detection respects your privacy

The "Smart Accident Detection System and Service" pilot scheme includes the installation of "fall detectors" at households and provides rescue services. The "fall detector" utilizes non-thermal imaging sensing and AI analysis technology, suitable for accident detection in living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms. The detection process does not involve photography or recording, ensuring user privacy is well protected. Additionally, the "fall detector" uses 4G communication and does not require WiFi, telephone lines, or additional equipment to enable two-way, real-time conversation.

When a user falls, the "fall detector" uses millimetre-wave detection and AI analysis to identify the fall situation. Upon sensing a user falls, the system automatically connects to the Care-on-Call 24-hour Service Centre (the "Service Centre"). Care-on-Call staff will then communicate directly with the user via the fall detector's two-way communication function to confirm the user's condition. If the user requires rescue, or if staff cannot confirm the user's safety status, staff will follow established procedures to provide rescue services, including calling an ambulance and/or notifying the user's designated emergency contacts.

Furthermore, if the "fall detector" detects that a user has not left a designated area for an extended period, for example, not leaving the living room for over 24 hours, the system will immediately notify our Service Centre. Staff of the Service Centre will then promptly follow up according to established procedures.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Senior Citizen Home Safety Association Marketing & Communications

Chris Chan

Tel: 2952 1850 / 9758 2923

 Email: chris.chan@schsa.org.hk