The Issue of the Elderly Homeless in Kuala Lumpur: Family Neglect and Its Contributing Factors

Issues concerning elderly neglect and depression among the elderly have been frequently 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. Nevertheless, it is rare to read about senior citizens who choose to live as homeless due to being dumped by their family members, including their spouses, children or siblings, difficulty in getting a job and conflict with family members. This qualitative study involved ten elderly homeless in Kuala Lumpur (KL) city. They were subjected to in-depth interviews to determine the reasons they live as homeless in KL city. Although they had become homeless, deep in their hearts, they still expect their family members, especially their children, to take care of their welfare and wish to stay with the family until the end of their lives. This article is an initiative from the researchers to raise awareness about the healthcare of the elderly especially among their children to be more responsible and provide support to parents until the end of their lives.