The head of the Observatory of Social Rights of the Canary Islands (Odesocan), Emma Colao, has disclosed that she recently acquired a report from the Ministry of Social Rights following an inspection conducted on 11th July at the Our Lady of the Conception Residential Center in Garachico, of which she had no prior knowledge.
The report highlights several issues, including the insufficient staff-to-resident ratio at the centre and the inappropriate use of restraints on residents.
Furthermore, it points out concerns such as medications being easily accessible to individuals, lack of proper window coverings in bedrooms, inadequate furniture, beds without emergency call buttons, and some lacking adequate lighting or ventilation.
Colao also mentioned that the bathrooms are not appropriately equipped, the dryer is out of order, and the washing machine does not operate at high temperatures, leading to contaminated clothes being stored in sealed bags.
This information was shared during a meeting with Ramón Miranda, the spokesperson for the A’Gara municipal group in the Garachico Town Hall, Valentín Correa from Nueva Canarias-Bloque Canarista (NC-BC) in Tenerife, and Rosa Perdomo, a family member of a resident at the Nuestra Señora de la Concepción Residential Centre in Garachico.
Miranda expressed his initiative to arrange a meeting with the Odesocan director to convey the uncertainties and anxieties of the residents’ relatives. He stated, “I had the privilege of managing this facility for 16 years and I am aware of the decline it has experienced recently. We have a duty to advocate for the well-being of our elderly and ensure they can spend their final years with dignity.”
Colao reiterated her responsibility to receive and address grievances from those who believe their rights are being violated. She has committed to seeking information from the Social Welfare Department regarding the ongoing inspection at the facility and the actions to be taken concerning its residents.
