Singapore, 1 October 2025 – Guest-of-Honour Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Law & Ministry of Social and Family Development launched the improved version of the Singapore Red Cross’ Home Monitoring and Eldercare (HoME+) solution on International Day of Elder Persons.

The launch was followed by a panel discussion, “Reimagining Eldercare in Singapore: Innovations, Integration & Inclusion” which brought together 50 stakeholders across government agencies, academia, social service partners, donor-organisations, and civil society to explore collaborative models for a sustainable and inclusive future for ageing in Singapore.  

HoME+: Safety, Peace of Mind and Ageing at Home

At the forefront of eldercare innovation, SRC’s HoME+ is a 24/7 monitoring, alert, and response system that provides seniors with an alternative to assisted living. By combining technology with community responders, it empowers elderly persons to live independently and safely at home, while assuring families that help is always within reach.

Behind the system is a dedicated network of 160 trained community responders, ready to act at a moment’s notice whenever an activation is triggered. Today, HoME+ safeguards the wellbeing of more than 1,200 stay-alone seniors across Singapore. The upgraded HoME+ 2.0 introduces enhanced features including presence sensors and an intercom system to offer even greater reassurance and faster response to our seniors.

Mdm Ng Ban Wee, aged 72, has lived alone since her husband passed away a few years ago. Concerned about his mother, Mdm Ng’s son subscribed to the SRC’s HoME+ solution for her to relish in her independence.

“Because I stay alone, I used to be concerned that I would fall and no one would come to my aid. Now, with HoME+, I no longer worry. Instead, I feel more assured that someone is looking out for me,” said Mdm Ng.

Senior Parliamentary Secretary Mr Eric Chua said, “The Singapore Red Cross has devoted significant efforts to catalyse innovations, integration and inclusion, through its Mental Health & Caregiver Support Training, Home Safety & Eldercare programmes, and Social Inclusion and Elder Empowerment initiatives. These collective efforts support seniors to live with dignity and purpose in their golden years, and ultimately, contribute to community aging-in-place. It is my hope that with the support of more donors and funders, Home Monitoring and Eldercare (HoME+) 2.0 can be integrated in more homes, help avert crises and save lives.”

Exploring the future of eldercare in Singapore

After the launch, the panel discussion by SPS Mr Eric Chua; Dr Wee Beng Geok, Management Committee Member, Asian Medical Foundation; Mr Douglas Goh, Director, Digital Engagement & Adoption, Information Media Development Authority; and Dr Yap Fengyuan, Chief of Geriatic Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health; moderated by Singapore Red Cross volunteer Mr Augustine Anthuvan, explored the future of eldercare in Singapore. They discussed the integration of eldercare with community development to reduce isolation; maintaining cognitive resilience and fostering social connectedness; integrating elder-sensitivity into our current mental health support systems; and bridging the digital gap to ensure accessibility.

Celebrating senior volunteerism

The Singapore Red Cross provides opportunities for retirees to contribute their skills and time. This we believe will enrich their lives while at the same time creating tremendous social impact.   Paying tribute to these senior volunteers, Mr Benjamin William, Secretary General and CEO of the Singapore Red Cross, said, “We do not see our seniors as merely recipients of assistance or beneficiaries of our humanitarian services.  We view them as a resource pool of invaluable knowledge, wisdom, experience and resilience. Beyond facilitating and celebrating the contributions of our senior volunteers, we also encourage and empower veteran volunteers to take on mentorship and advisory roles. I am sure this approach also goes a long way towards improving societal attitudes towards ageing, and reframing ageing in a more positive light.”

ANNEX A

The Home Monitoring and Eldercare (HoME+) solution is a 24/7 non-invasive monitoring, alert and response system for the home safety of the elderly who are looking for an alternative to assisted living, facilitating community ageing-in-place. It consists of a comprehensive set of sensing equipment to monitor the safety and wellbeing of the seniors at home, including:

• Four non-intrusive motion sensors to provide 100% privacy, while allowing us to monitor the safety of the senior. Sensors detect movement only and are not CCTV cameras.
• Two panic buttons that the elderly can trigger to bring assistance from trained first aid responders.
• A 24/7 helpline that provides users with basic first aid and psychological first aid assistance.
• Assess the situation and  escalate to emergency services when necessary.

The new HoME+ 2.0 replaced its motion sensor with a presence sensor, replacing the traditional passive infrared (PIR) based motion sensor that detects only movement of the object/human. The Presence Sensor is a 3D motion sensor, detecting movement as well as presence of a human within a 4 - 8 meter range. 

Additionally, the HoME+ 2.0 includes a new one-way intercom system, allowing the Singapore Red Cross’s HoME+ Call Centre to reach out to our seniors in distress. 

Interested users can reach out to home.plus@redcross.sg for more information.

ANNEX B

The SRC supports seniors and caregivers through:

• Community Befriending 

The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) Community Befriending programme breaks the cycle of isolation by delivering tailored and holistic care that addresses the functional and social needs of the elderly, increase social mobility, facilitate integration into the broader community, and encourage meaningful contributions to society. The SRC’s dedicated Community Befrienders visit the seniors fortnightly; providing them with the precious gift of friendship, and a listening ear. By bridging the gap between the seniors and the community, the community befrienders provide seniors with the support and companionship they need. 

• Medical Chaperone and Transport 

Medical Chaperone & Transport offers crucial transport and medical chaperone assistance to elderly individuals and persons with disabilities from lower-income homes. For those struggling financially, the problem is exacerbated as commercially available private transport services are not economically feasible for the long term. The programme helps clients get to-and-from their appointments at healthcare service facilities and day activity centres.

• Home Monitoring and Eldercare (HoME+)

The HoME+ solution is a 24/7 non-invasive monitoring, alert and response system for the home safety of the elderly who are looking for an alternative to assisted living, facilitating community ageing-in-place. 

• Caregiver Training by the Singapore Red Cross Academy

The Caregiver training equips participants with the knowledge, practical skills, and deeper understanding needed to care for their loved ones with confidence, helping them carry out daily tasks effectively and prepares them for the emotional and physical demands of caregiving.