Oriented on making people closer

Shanghai, one of China's fastest-aging cities, is actively integrating intelligent technologies into elderly care. According to the city’s plans, by 2025 at least 100 smart elderly care homes will be established, with more than 70 already in operation.

At the “Jinyang” elderly care home in the Pudong district, technology has become part of daily operations. Recently, a smart mattress detected a sudden spike in blood pressure in an elderly resident, Wang Mingxiang. The alert was sent to nurse Zhao Zhanping and the patient’s family, and thanks to the quick response, he was promptly hospitalized.

“The system serves as the brain of our facility, while smart devices are like eyes and skin, constantly transmitting information,” said Chen Xue, the facility’s director. Radar-equipped ceiling lights in bathrooms detect falls, and a screen in the lobby displays real-time health data for all residents.

Digitization is easing the workload for staff. For example, caregiver Chen Jiuxiu uses a robotic device to safely transfer 96-year-old Zhong Jianmei. “It used to take four people—now one is enough,” she noted.

According to Gao Wanjie, head of Puhui Pension Service, technology helps address staffing shortages and allows caregivers to focus on the individual and emotional needs of the elderly.

Residents also notice the improvements. “Staff now have more time to talk to us, and the care feels warmer,” said 95-year-old He Junmian. Instead of a call button, video communication is now used, making interactions easier.

Among the innovations are smart wheelchairs, robotic assistants, and AI-powered chess partners. The average fee at Jinyang is around 5,000 yuan ($694), and prices have not increased since the technologies were introduced. “Technology should not replace human warmth. A smart care home is a balance between efficiency and empathy,” emphasized Chen.

Photo: From the official account of the Shanghai Fengxian District News Office