Alone and unnoticed: How CCTV is helping families monitor elderly parents

SHAH ALAM – The increasing number of elderly parents living alone, sometimes passing away unnoticed, has become a major concern for their children, particularly those working in cities.

A survey by Sinar found that many are turning to technology, such as closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems, to monitor their parents remotely and ensure their well-being.

Khairil Fithry Mustapha, 40, a private sector employee, said installing CCTV at his mother’s home has given him peace of mind while he is at work, knowing she is safe despite living alone.

“With an affordable system costing less than a few thousand ringgit, I can check on my mother anytime through my smartphone.

“If an emergency occurs, I’ll be alerted immediately. I can even use the CCTV’s audio function to stop her from doing anything risky.

“In serious situations, I can quickly contact a neighbour or call an ambulance if she suddenly falls ill,” he told Sinar.

Sinar on Sunday reported that in 2024 alone, more than 40,000 elderly individuals in Japan died alone, their deaths going unnoticed.

Experts fear Malaysia may face a similar issue as more people choose to live alone, with over two million Malaysians aged 30 and above remaining unmarried.

Beyond the elderly, other vulnerable groups at risk of dying alone include people with disabilities, the homeless and those with chronic illnesses or substance abuse issues.

These solitary deaths have become increasingly common, even in Perlis, where the population is under 300,000.

Between 2022 and August 2024, the state recorded 80 such cases.

Administrative officer Norzita Nanyan, 43, shared that her mother, who suffers from diabetes and is prone to sudden fainting spells, requires constant monitoring.

“To prevent emergencies and ensure quick action can be taken, CCTV has proven to be a practical solution for keeping elderly parents safe at home.

“The system acts as my ‘eyes and ears’ when I’m not around, giving me real-time updates on my mother’s condition.

“As a working daughter, it also helps me stay connected with my parents, especially since my job and the two-hour travel distance make daily visits difficult,” she said.

For teacher Muhammad Syahdad Naquiyuddin Hadi Suhardi, 29, CCTV has been a crucial tool in caring for his father, who suffered a stroke and requires 24-hour supervision.

“My father had a stroke and has also experienced seizures in the past. To ensure he is never left unattended, I installed a CCTV camera in the living room near his bed.

“If anything happens, I get an instant notification on my phone, allowing me to act quickly,” he said.

Meanwhile, private sector employee Muhamad Ikhmal Amirullah Rosli, 27, has opted for a different approach, using the Life360 app to track his parents’ whereabouts.

“The app helps monitor my parents’ locations in case they become unreachable and sends a notification with their last visited place.

“We never know what could happen, so having an extra layer of security like this gives me peace of mind,” he said.