Subathra D/O Manikam suffers from a host of medical conditions that make independent living challenging. Besides a long-term auto-immune disease, the 68-year-old has had two mild strokes and a mild heart attack. Surgeries on her hips and spine have left her with reduced mobility. But, since installing the Singapore Red Cross’ Home Monitoring and Eldercare (HoME+) system in her home in November 2019, Subathra feels assured that she is being looked out for.

Subathra D/O Manikam’s health started to decline in 1977 when she was diagnosed with lupus, an auto-immune disease that sees a person’s immune system attacking their own organs and tissues. The 68-year-old experiences high fevers and excruciating pain in the joints of her fingers, kneecaps and elbows. Due to the degeneration of her bones, she underwent surgery on her right hip in 2007 and her left hip in 2010, which have left her barely able to bend or squat. She then had surgery on her spine in 2018 for spinal stenosis. After that procedure, she could no longer walk and now uses a wheelchair. Subathra has also had three stents placed in her heart following a mild heart attack in 2019. All these health issues had left Subathra feeling vulnerable and afraid that she may not be able to call for help if she becomes incapacitated by a fall or another stroke or heart attack.

More assured, thanks to HoME+

Singapore Red Cross' (SRC) Home Monitoring and Eldercare (HoME+) system was installed in Subathra’s home on 20 November 2019. HoME+ is a monitoring system that uses motion sensors – rather than CCTVs – placed around the home to detect unusual patterns among the elderly and those living alone. If the system detects prolonged inactivity or a fall, the SRC’s call centre is notified immediately. Community responders or – in the event of an emergency – the Singapore Civil Defence Force will be dispatched to provide assistance. The HoME+ system also includes a panic button that can be activated if the user needs help. 

The installation of the HoME+ system in her home has given Subathra peace of mind, as she feels confident that help is at hand if she needs it. Having heard of instances where people slipped and fell in the toilet while they were alone at home, Subathra is very grateful that with HoME+, there are people who are looking out for her. 

"As the HoME+ system monitors my movements, it alerts the responders if there is any inactivity. When I was sitting by my window for quite some time, they called me to check if I was alright. I am very thankful they called to check up on me," she said.

The HoME+ system also provides a safety net in case of emergencies.

"If I feel any discomfort or in case of any emergency, I can press a button to seek assistance. They advised me to tie the panic button to my walking frame and bring it along with me whenever I go to the washroom or take a shower," added Subathra. 

She highly recommends the HoME+ system for seniors living alone. 

"Some elderly may perceive that they are safe living alone. But as age catches up with them, they are no longer as steady or as mobile as they used to be. Learn from the experiences of others and take precautions," advised Subathra.

Subathra feels that it is important to educate senior citizens on the usefulness of the HoME+ system, which can help them feel safe and cared for even if they live alone. 

"Besides installing the HoME+ system in their homes, it is also important to share with the seniors the steps they can take when they need help. The community responders are alert and are on standby," she emphasised. 

Copyedited by Shahirah Mohamed Ansari, Volunteer