Linking elderly to holistic care services through integrated communication technology: the Personal Emergency Link service rendered by the Senior Citizen Home Safety Association in Hong Kong

Authors:
LEUNG Barbara S. L., TIMOTHY K. W. A., CARMEN K. M. G.
Journal article citation:
Journal of Technology in Human Services, 27(1), January 2009, pp.34-43.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA

In 1996, after the deaths in a cold spell of 150 elderly people living alone, concerned citizens formed the Senior Citizen Home Safety Association which now supplies an emergency link service to nearly 61,000 people in Hong Kong, and this article describes the service and the use made of it.  Although most users are elderly, living alone and suffering from chronic diseases, others in need can join the service for a fee, and with certain conditions can be paid for by a charity scheme. The basic service is similar to those operating elsewhere for the last 20 years, comprising a personal alarm worn on the body to alert a 24-hour centre, together with a main unit allowing 2-way voice communication. Additionally, through a cooperative venture between the association and Hong Kong’s hospitals, in the event of an emergency patient records can be faxed to accident and emergency departments prior to the ambulance’s arrival. The centre receives information back from the hospital to inform the patient’s family where they can be found. There is also a hot line service for accessing useful information and getting emotional support, and other services, some of which are chargeable. The service is well- used and successful and continues to develop, at present extending into mobile phone networks.

Subject terms:
holistic care, home safety, older people, alarm systems;
Content type:
practice example
Location(s):
Hong Kong
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN online:
1522-8991
ISSN print:
1522-8835

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