I've looked into the various IP cameras, and they all seem to be motion-capture ONLY for local storage (on SD card) or only for X seconds upon motion trigger. I guess I can run something and record it continuously (I do have a spare PC available, a spare monitor, and some HD space), unless anyone has better ideas...
I even thought about using a Dashcam, which has loop recording, but apparently they are NOT engineered to run 24/7. But then my dad will probably not care about this problem after a few months.

Or should I just go for one of those disguised cameras as a wall clock or desk clock or such?