Technological devices help move elderly people from chairs to beds safely in China. (Source: China Daily)

Many nursing homes in China are struggling to recruit qualified caregivers to look after elderly patients, largely due to a general lack of interest in the work.

Since the beginning of this year, many smart devices have been applied, partly reducing the burden on nurses as well as solving the shortage of human resources in a rapidly aging country.

In the Nyingchi area of ​​the Tibet Autonomous Region, a government-funded nursing home provided digital bracelets to 32 of its 98 elderly patients and upgraded ordinary mattresses to smart mattresses for 10 elderly people who need special care.

These devices are designed to send alerts to caregivers via smartphone when it is time to assist seniors with medication or other services. The devices will also alert caregivers if the patient has abnormal vital signs, such as heart rate and blood oxygen levels, so that emergency help can be provided.

Smart technology in senior care facilities also helps reduce the risk of fire and avoid patient neglect. Sensors installed in each room can quickly trigger an alarm in the event of a fire. In addition, administrators will receive alerts if a senior in bed is not repositioned as requested.

Other parts of China are also turning to smart technology to improve the quality of care for their rapidly growing elderly population. In Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, a community canteen is equipped with a device at its entrance that can assess the health status of elderly diners and make dietary recommendations.

Similarly, in Qingdao, Shandong Province, the government is funding the installation of smart beds in the homes of seniors living alone. These beds can alert community staff if the user is absent for an extended period of time, signaling a risk of falling or other emergencies.

Official figures show that China has nearly 300 million citizens aged 60 or older. The elderly population is growing significantly due to a number of factors, including longer life expectancy and falling birth rates. According to China’s National Health Commission, about 30% of the country’s population will be over 60 by 2050, creating a huge demand for caregivers.