Binhu district in Wuxi, Jiangsu province is developing a provincial pilot zone for senior care services with help from several internet of things (IoT) applications.

IoT upgrades home-based senior care

Home-based senior care is in line with China's tradition and over 90 percent of the senior population in Binhu district has chosen to stay at home, enjoying services and IoT products provided by communities and private companies.

"It's a relief to have such smart devices guard and nurse us," said a 91-year-old senior surnamed Wang. She is a so-called empty-nest senior, whose children are not around.

In 2009, the bureau of civil affairs of Binhu launched a campaign to install IoT devices, including infrared ray sensors, smoke detectors, and voice beepers to the houses of empty-nest families.

To date, the campaign has built a home-based senior care network consisting of more than 15,000 families. The smart upgrades will continue to cover more families, free of charge.

Smart and portable devices help seniors get emergency aid from home. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

IoT, big data provide a second home

Private senior care is gaining more popularity in Binhu district. About 4 percent of the 104,500 seniors have moved into private senior care communities for their integration of IoT applications, big data platform, and quality services.

Baihe Resthome, which opened in May 2018, is a pilot senior care agency featuring the Intelligent & Healthy Endowment Cloud, which was developed by a subsidiary of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

With smart apps, built-in chips, electronic fences, smart mattresses, and other cutting-age IoT technologies, Baihe Resthome boasts a state-of-the-art senior care management model with tailor-made services. Its story was broadcast on China Central Television in September 2018 to showcase how IoT is changing China's senior care industry.

Binhu district currently houses over 25 similar senior care agencies. It is expected that over 60 percent of the district's senior population will have access to smart senior care facilities by the end of 2019.