Busan Metropolitan City is expanding its big data-based care system to prevent solitary deaths.
The city announced Wednesday that it will expand its "Big Data-Based Single-Person Household Care Service" to 750 households. The measure aims to address the limitations of existing reactive welfare approaches as single-person households increase and the risk of solitary deaths rises.
The program is characterized by its use of information and communications technology (ICT) and big data to analyze recipients' daily data in real time. In-home sensors collect and analyze lifestyle data including sleep patterns and activity levels around the clock, detecting warning signs before incidents occur. Social welfare professionals also conduct weekly check-in calls to provide emotional support.
While conventional methods such as monitoring electricity and gas usage or call-button systems only responded after incidents occurred, this service is a prevention-focused model that detects early warning signs based on changes in activities of daily living (ADL). When abnormalities are detected, information is immediately shared with guardians and local governments, enabling rapid response.
The city is also strengthening emotional support and welfare coordination functions. Professional counselors conduct regular consultations to alleviate depression and isolation, identify risk factors such as cognitive decline early, and connect recipients to medical and welfare services. The program also improves access to information for vulnerable populations by providing customized welfare information including energy vouchers and medical expense support.
The program's effectiveness has been demonstrated. The service received the Minister's Award from the Ministry of Science and ICT in 2024. User satisfaction reached 97.7 percent. Average emergency response time was reduced to 15.25 minutes, and unnecessary 119 emergency calls decreased by more than 80 percent. Field staff work efficiency also improved by more than 90 percent.
The city currently operates the program for 500 households across six districts, with new participants recruited through each district and county office. The city is also pursuing plans to expand the program to 1,500 households by 2029 through national government funding.
"We will actively support Busan in establishing itself as a leading city in digital care by strengthening care systems that combine proven technology with emotional support," said Jeong Tae-gi, director of the city's Social Welfare Bureau.