An individual is monitored by providing a monitoring system having a control device in communication with appliances. A routine usage of the appliance by an individual is determined. A deviation from the routine usage of the appliance is detected. An alarm signal is sent to a remote communication device of a third party. The third party remotely manipulates the appliance via the control device to remove the deviation from the routine usage, such as turning off an iron or closing a refrigerator door, without involving the individual.