Facial recognition to go a long way in caring for elderly

Ayra Wang

The SAR administration is exploring ways to leverage gerontechnology and facial recognition technology to allow senior citizens, particularly those with Alzheimer's disease, to move around their neighborhoods more freely while ensuring their safety, according to Executive Council member Lam Ching-choi.

Lam said yesterday the use of these technologies would enable elderly Alzheimer's and dementia patients to safely walk around their housing estates and nearby malls, giving caregivers much-needed respite.

"With the technology, at least the estates are safe for those elderly and they can walk around in the gardens downstairs or nearby malls without having to stay home 24 hours a day," he said.

The plan involves setting up "electronic entrance guards" that would alert estate management staff when elderly residents equipped with tracking sensors pass through the gates.

Facial recognition technology may also be used to monitor their movements.

"The burden on caregivers is immense, with many struggling with their own mental health as they provide round-the-clock care," Lam said.

He also said the caregiver hotline has been helpful in providing emotional support, and he hopes the administration will do more to address the mental health needs of this crucial group.

Lam also urged it to expand labor importation schemes to address the 20-30 percent staffing shortages faced by homes for the elderly.

"The quality of care has suffered, with residents now only able to bathe every other day due to the lack of staff," he said.

Lam suggested the government require relevant training and licensing for imported caregivers before they can work in Hong Kong, to ensure they are well prepared for the job and can adapt to the local environment.

He also called for the government to consider recruiting caregivers from southeast Asia, in addition to the mainland.

On a positive note, Lam said the number of student suicide cases has dropped and the administration will continue to promote mental health initiatives in schools, including inviting organizations and training students to support their peers.