Summary:
- The Singapore Red Cross has launched HoME+ 2.0, an upgraded home monitoring system featuring infrared 3D motion sensors that detect human presence more accurately while remaining discreet and non-intrusive.
- The system includes customisable alerts, wearable and fixed help buttons, and a new two-way intercom, connecting users directly to a 24/7 volunteer call centre for rapid response in emergencies or prolonged inactivity.
- Aimed at helping seniors age independently and safely at home, HoME+ 2.0 is priced at $50 a month with subsidies available for low-income users.
The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) has unveiled an upgraded version of its Home Monitoring and Eldercare (HoME+) system meant for seniors and other care recipients.
Called HoME+ 2.0, the biggest improvement to the existing system are its infrared 3D motion sensors that can more accurately detect human presence and movement compared to the suite’s previous motion detectors, which could sometimes be triggered by movements from curtains or pets.
The newer presence sensors are also smaller, less battery intensive, and customisable to users’ needs. For example, those sensitive to light could turn off the visual indicator or switch it to a notification beep instead.
It’s an upgrade to the existing system which already provides users with a helpline for non-emergency situations as well as a monitoring, alert, and response system for home safety.
Though HoME+ 2.0’s sensors are more accurate, the system remains as discreet as before. There is no active recording or transmission of audio and video.
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An alert is only triggered at SRC’s call centre when they detect unusually long periods of inactivity, such as no movement for four minutes after entering the bathroom.
Users can also call for help directly with fixed and wearable alert buttons. These are now also supplemented with a two-way intercom.
The call centre – which is manned by 160 trained volunteers around the clock – would attempt to reach seniors via their home or mobile phones once there is an alert. Failing that, they would send down a community responder to physically check on a situation.
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Better sensors, dedicated intercom for HoME+ 2.0
With these upgrades, the charity hopes to provide broader coverage and faster response times for seniors in Singapore.
More than 1,200 seniors are already using the first iteration of HoME+, with the option to upgrade to version 2.0 if they wish.
It is also available now for the public at $50 a month, with no upfront cost for installation. This is only slightly more expensive compared to its first iteration, which cost $48 monthly.
The system is subsidised significantly for lower-income users living in homes with lower annual value. It can go as low as $10 a month for those eligible.
During a speech at the launch of HoME+ 2.0 at the Red Cross House on Penang Lane, Benjamin William, Secretary General and CEO of SRC, emphasised that it was novel systems like these that enable silvers to age in place.
The launch was attended by senior parliamentary secretary for Law and Social and Family Development, Eric Chua.
The statesman also participated in a panel exploring the future of eldercare with Dr Wee Beng Geok, management committee member of the Asian Medical Foundation; Douglas Goh, director of digital engagement and adoption at the Information Media Development Authority; and Dr Yap Fengyuan, chief of geriatric psychiatry at the Institute of Mental Health.
According to a 2025 report by the Ministry of Social and Family Development, Singapore’s population of seniors living alone has doubled from 42,000 in 2014 to 87,200 last year.
This number is only set to grow, thanks to shrinking families and a rapidly ageing populace. The number is estimated to reach 122,000 by the year 2030.
For more information on Singapore Red Cross’ HoME+ 2.0, head here.
