Qujiang district in Quzhou, Zhejiang province has been actively implementing measures to ensure the safety and well-being of elderly residents living alone.

These measures include the installation of smart security devices in their homes, such as smart door sensors, pull-cord alarms, infrared motion detectors, and smart smoke detectors.

For example, infrared motion detectors trigger an alarm if no movement is detected in the home for an extended period. In emergencies, elderly residents can use a pull-cord alarm to call for help, enabling direct two-way communication for immediate assistance.

Since November last year, these devices have been installed free of charge for 118 elderly residents living alone or on low income.

"Recently, an elderly resident in Houfang village fell at home," said Ni Hongliang, a local official, "he promptly used his bedside pull-cord alarm, allowing community workers to arrive quickly and transport the individual to a hospital, preventing further complications.”

To ensure timely detection and response, the system categorizes alerts into "general", "ordinary", and "emergency" levels. This tiered rescue mechanism involves coordinated responses from family, village, and town authorities, ensuring zero delay between alert and rescue and maximizing the chances of successful intervention.

Additionally, these devices allow community workers to remotely monitor the well-being of elderly residents via their mobile phones, enabling them to promptly understand their needs and provide targeted assistance.