Authors: (including presenting author): :
Lam HW(1), Lam CM(1), Cheung TY(1)
Affiliation: :
(1)Occupational Therapy Department, Tuen Mun Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Occupational Therapy
Keyword 2: :
Gerontechnology
Keyword 3: :
Smart Technology
Keyword 5: :
Elderly-friendly
Introduction: :
Hong Kong faces rapid population ageing, with residents aged 65+ rising from 1.8million(23.9% of population) in 2025 to 2.72million(33.2% of population) in 2045.(2025 Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, 2025). Elderly with chronic conditions frequently experience deficits in activities of daily living(ADL) and community participation, elevating the risks of falls, functional decline and hospitalization. Support for the elderly and carers is a core initiative in the SMART Hong Kong CITY program. Occupational therapy(OT) plays a pivotal role in promoting functional independence and health outcomes. Technology advancement have demonstrated efficacy in addressing cognitive, psychological, motor and functional impairments. Funded by donations, the OT Department at Tuen Mun Hospital(TMH) established a smart elder-friendly hub, featuring independent living skill training facilities(ceiling hoist, adjustable toilet /kitchen simulations setups, remote patient monitoring) and virtual reality(VR) modalities for addressing cognitive, psychological, motor and functional impairments through controlled, multi-sensory simulations and precise behavioral monitoring (Rizzo et al., 2016; Dockx et al., 2017; Kaminska et al., 2018).
Objectives: :
-To integrate VR systems, community living skill training setups and remote monitoring into a smart model home in TMH OT Outpatient Department. -To foster independent living skills and community reintegration among elderly.
Methodology: :
The establishment of “Smart Elder-Friendly Home” in TMH OT Department was funded by The Hospital Authority Charitable Foundation. The hub including VR systems deliver immersive simulations of community living tasks(public transportation, escalator access, street crossing and grocery shopping), enabling patients to practice skills safely in a controlled environment tailored to their functional abilities. Independent living skill training using adjustable simulated kitchen/bathroom stations with electrically controlled worktops/cabinets, movable furniture and variable lighting, facilitating realistic ADL assessments/training in cooking, bathing and other ADLs. Ceiling hoist, fall detectors, and remote vital sign monitoring ensure patient safety during the progression from virtual to real-life practice, allowing therapists to replicate home environments and deliver highly individualized interventions.
Result & Outcome: :
The elder-friendly home service fully commenced in July/2025. By November/2025, 1,229 sessions had been delivered to 560 clients. The setup is expected to benefit >1,200 clients annually. The competency of the elderly in community living had been enhanced. This innovative initiative promotes the use of technology in providing a safe simulated environment and help our seniors lead active, productive and meaningful lives with the right support in place.
