Some seniors worry about alarm systems when the need arises

Neighbours of elderly couple found dead in Jurong flat fret over long wait for help

- Andrew Wong

Alone at home on the eve of Chinese New Year in 2024, Madam Helen Teo slipped in the toilet in her rental studio flat in Jurong and hit her head.

When she noticed blood on the floor, the 74-year-old crawled to her mobile phone to call for an ambulance.

Madam Teo said that in the past, she would trigger the Alert Alarm System (AAS) installed in rental flats occupied by seniors at Block 338B Kang Ching Road.

By pulling a red cord, seniors are connected to a 24/7 hotline that responds to callers in distress, or to a nearby active ageing centre.

"I decided to call for an ambulance myself, as I know they will be able to react faster.

"So what if I pull the cord? Sometimes nobody responds or they might take too long," said Madam Teo, who said she did not want to wait for someone to check on her if she could call for help directly.

Fortunately, Madam Teo walked away from the fall with just superficial wounds to her head.

She lives in one of three studio apartments on the 10th floor. These units are rented out to seniors.

Madam Teo has lived alone since 2013. The Sunday Times visited her apartment on Feb 19.

It has one toilet, a storeroom, a small kitchen, a living room and one bedroom. Her block has 60 studio apartments over 20 floors equipped with the AAS.

ST spoke to more than 10 seniors living at Block 338B.

Three said they hope that the system installed in their Kang Ching Road units can be improved. Others have not used the AAS, or had no comments.

They worry that help might not come soon enough when they are in trouble.

They said they became more concerned after their neighbours, who lived on the 18th floor, died.

In December 2024, police discovered the decomposing bodies of the elderly couple who lived by themselves.

Their remains were found after a neighbour raised the alert about a foul smell coming from the unit.