The Issue of the Elderly Homeless in Kuala Lumpur City: Family Neglect of the Elderly

Issues concerning elderly neglect and depression among the elderly have been often discussed. These issues include leaving the elderly alone after their children migrate to the city, sending elderly parents to welfare centres, leaving elderly parents in hospitals and disposing of parents without mercy. However, it is rare to read about senior citizens who choose to live as homeless after being dumped by their family members, which includes their spouses (husband/ wife), children or siblings. This qualitative study involved ten elderly homeless in Kuala Lumpur City who were subjected to in-depth interviews to determine the reason(s) why they choose to live as a homeless in Kuala Lumpur City. The main reason they became homeless was because they were dumped by their family members, especially their spouses (husband/ wife) and/or children. Although they had become homeless but deep in their hearts, they still expect their family members, especially their children, to take care of their welfare and let them stay with the family until the end of their lives. It is hoped that this study will help curb the increase of the elderly becoming homeless and ensure that they receive loving support from family members, especially their children. Keywords: elderly, homeless, Kuala Lumpur, children, family support