(Hong Kong – 31 July 2025) Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited (HKBN) has partnered with Yang Memorial Methodist Social Service (YMMSS) to provide a complimentary smart care solution for underprivileged seniors. This initiative integrates a wireless home emergency safety bell with advanced mmWave radar fall detection technology, leveraging innovative technology to realise the vision of “ageing in place” – enhancing the elderly’s quality of life and safety, while alleviating caregivers’ burden.

High Fall Risk Among Elderly – Urgent Need for Home Safety

A recent survey conducted by YMMSS polled 407 individuals aged 55 and above, revealing:

• 70% live alone or with only their spouse;

• Over 80% have chronic conditions requiring regular medication and health monitoring;

• 43% experienced fall(s) in the past two years, with 86 requiring hospitalisation.

The survey also found that respondents rated their confidence in smart elderly care solutions at an average of 6.72 out of 10, indicating openness to technology-assisted ageing support. However, broader community outreach is vital to help seniors understand and adapt to these solutions, overcoming usage barriers.

Rex Hui, Vice President, Product Development & Management – HKBN Residential Solutions, stated: “We are delighted to collaborate with YMMSS to apply technology for social good and support those in need. HKBN believes that technology should benefit not just businesses but also communities. By partnering with more like-minded organisations and integrating elderly health management components, we can address societal needs and build a smarter elderly care ecosystem.”

Patrick Lam, Director of YMMSS, said: “Through our frontline services, we deeply understand the needs of seniors. Our collaboration with HKBN empowers seniors with technology, realising the vision of 'ageing in place'. While traditional emergency safety bells require seniors to initiate calls for help, our smart solution offers proactive monitoring with real-time alerts for timely support. This shift from reactive to preventive care transforms technology into a guardian for the elderly.”

Key Features of HKBN Smart Elderly Care Solution

Fall Detection

• High-frequency mmWave radar technology to precisely track movement (such as speed, posture changes during falls).

• More privacy-protective than traditional camera-based monitoring.

• No wearable devices required, eliminating the risk of seniors forgetting to wear them.

• Instant alerts to the 24-hour care and emergency support centre upon detecting a fall for immediate assistance.

In the pipeline

• Multi-sensor devices: Flood and smoke detection (preventing home hazards), motion sensing (tracking activity), air quality monitoring (ensuring a healthy environment).

• Smart behaviour analytics: Records outings and detects prolonged inactivity and anomalies.

HKBN’s smart elderly care initiative is made possible through cross-sector collaboration – featuring an emergency safety bell backed by Familyguard Association Limited and intelligent sensors supported by MaxiSense IoTech Limited – delivering comprehensive care for seniors.

^{Click here to view a short video about the fall detection system.}

^{For details about HKBN’s Smart Elderly Care Solutions, please visit: Gerontechnology | Elder Buddy | Emergency Safety Bell & Fall Detection | HKBN.}

^{Terms and conditions apply.}

Caption: HKBN partners with YMMSS to provide a complimentary smart elderly care solution for underprivileged seniors from our community. (Rex Hui, Vice President, Product Development & Management – HKBN Residential Solutions (centre, left), Patrick Lam, Director of YMMSS (centre, right) and their representatives).

Caption: Mrs. Yau experienced the system’s protection firsthand when its fall detection technology accurately identified her home accident and immediately alerted emergency support, ensuring prompt assistance.