Family members of a resident at the Our Lady of the Conception Residence in Garachico express that the insufficient number of caregivers is “significantly impacting” the attention and welfare of the 70 residents. This facility is publicly owned and operated by the municipal council through a contracted company.
During a meeting with the director of the Canary Islands Observatory of Social Rights (Odesocan), Emma Colao, concerns were raised about the fact that, due to staff absences from sickness and vacations, there were only “two caregivers responsible for looking after 43 female residents” on a single floor. Anabel Díaz mentions, “This unsustainable situation has led to instances where hours pass without basic care tasks like changing diapers being attended to.”
The affected party views the conditions as “extremely inhumane,” highlighting that her grandmother shares a room with “eight other residents” without even access to a television for recreation.
This distressing situation impacts over 70 individuals. “This facility lacks services like physiotherapy and psychological support, and fails to meet the required staff-resident ratio, resulting in overwhelming conditions for the mostly highly dependent residents,” they explain.
Despite reaching out to relevant authorities, the response received has been lacking in compassion and urgency, with excuses and distant promises being the only outcome. “My grandmother and other residents deserve to spend their remaining days in a dignified and compassionate environment,” she insists.
