The Social Development Ministry, which found verbal abuse of an inmate at one geriatric home, referred the matter to the police, and also referred three other matters at private residences to police over 2017-2018.
Minister Cherrie Ann Crichlow-Cockburn detailed the findings in the Senate yesterday replying to Opposition queries about a six month period over October 2017 to March 2018 when complaints of elder abuse were received.
She said the ministry received 72 reports of cases of elder abuse in that time—30 cases allegedly occurring at geriatric homes and 42 at private residences—and four matters were referred to the police.
Upon receipt of such reports, she said, the Ministry’s Division of Aging (DOA) conducts unannounced visits and inspections at geriatric homes and private residences.
“Unannounced inspections were conducted at 30 homes. During our investigations we were either unable to substantiate allegations of abuse or found no evidence of abuse at 27 of the homes,” she added.
“We, however, identified instances of non -compliance with established standards in the areas of safety, environment, staffing, policies/procedures and record keeping. The homes were required to sign compliance agreements that addressed their respective deficiencies within an agreed time frame and are being monitored by the DOA. In addition, 12 homes were referred to the Health Ministry for registration and nine for urgent/ immediate action,”
Crichlow -Cockburn said verbal abuse was found at one home—referred to police—and “ poor, inhumane and/or unsafe” conditions at two other homes.
The latter resulted in the decanting and relocation of all residents. Owners of these homes were also referred to the Health Ministry.
The homes from which people were removed did not receive government subvention.
The 42 private homes were also visited by DOA inspectors, accompanied by police where necessary.
“Twenty-one of the reports could not be substantiated or confirmed. However, four of the alleged victims were referred for psychosocial support including counselling and two to the Social Welfare Division for assistance,” she said.
Crichlow-Cockburn, however, said 21 instances of abuse were confirmed in the private homes, “Four victims were relocated to reside with relatives and nine others to geriatric homes. In five instances caregivers were removed and three matters were referred to the police.”
The ministry was not aware if matters were sent forward by police to prosecution since the Ministry’s work stops at referring matters to the police, she added.
Crichlow-Cockburn said DOA inspectors intend doing random visits to homes at least once annually