How a tragedy spurred Fahmi Aliman to protect his elderly residents living alone

30/12/2024

When Fahmi Aliman, Member of Parliament for Marine Parade GRC, and his team were conducting a home visit one morning late last year, they did not expect to find a resident lying motionless in the kitchen. 

“My advance party knocked on a resident’s door and discovered someone lying in the kitchen. The person appeared to have been deceased for some time. We immediately notified the police,” he added.   

Fahmi and his team were determined to address this unfortunate situation. Reflecting on the incident, Fahmi told Petir: “After the whole episode, at the back of our minds: Could we have something to detect mobility or no movement in the house?  That’s why we were very happy that we have a partner who have such an equipment that can detect movement within homes.”    

In September 2024, the Geylang Serai grassroots organisation launched an initiative to install motion sensors for 60 elderly residents living alone in Eunos Crescent.  They partnered with a local start-up SenzeHub which developed the sensor.  

The sensors detect inactivity within homes for a set period. If no movement is detected, they promptly notify family members or caregivers, allowing timely investigation of the situation. By monitoring activity levels, the sensors can also identify potential health concerns or changes in daily routines that may require intervention for the elderly. 

If the resident goes on a holiday, he or she can “notify” the system that he or she is out. “You can also programme your sleeping hours, so the sensor knows that you are sleeping within these hours. That’s how smart the sensor is, Mr Fahmi noted.    

This initiative is part of the WeCare programme launched by Mr Fahmi, who is also the Mayor of the Southeast District, at the Kampung Eunos Health Carnival. 

“Elderly residents living alone need safeguards like sensors. I hope we can create more awareness on this sensor and more will participate in this initiative.  We hope to save more elderly, especially those staying alone.”  

79-year-old Madam Rokiah, who lives alone in Eunos Crescent, has a sensor installed in her home. Although her daughter visits occasionally, and she participates in activities at a nearby active ageing centre, the sensor provides an added sense of security. 

Mdm Rokiah shared, “In June, I had a fall at home when my daughter was present. With the sensor, at least someone would be alerted if anything happens to me while I’m alone.” 

Mr Fahmi said that the proportion of elderly residents is high in Geylang Serai, with approximately 50 to 60 per cent being elderly. To better serve this demographic, Mr Fahmi’s grassroots team launched the Kampung Eunos Network in May 2023.  

This initiative aims to collaborate with additional social service agencies, ensuring the elderly live healthily and age gracefully. Approximately 300 to 500 elderly individuals have joined the network. Of these, more than 100 are living alone. 

According to Mr Fahmi, if the pilot programme proves successful, he will seek donors to extend the programme to cover more elderly residents. 

Ultimately, Mr Fahmi hopes to foster a caring and inclusive community in Geylang Serai through this endeavor.