The Social Security Institute of Madeira, through its Home Support (SAD), visited Jardim da Serra on Monday, following a complaint from the Dog Food Aid Association, which reported a case of “human and animal negligence.”
On-site technicians identified the residence as “a scenario of unhealthiness,” marked by serious deficiencies in terms of hygiene, ventilation, and accumulation of waste, where an elderly woman lives. The woman is conscious, aware of her surroundings, and is not completely confined to her bed. Both her son and daughter, when questioned by Social Security representatives, said that they were willing to help their mother. It would appear that they both live in the house as well.
The Social Security Institute assured that the family will be supported in terms of hygiene, allocation of the Economic Subsidy for Home Support (SEAD), and the application for Residential Structure for Elderly People (ERPI), but advised reporters that the elderly woman refused to have anything to do with the technicians and her daughter.
“As in many cases, these situations are often complex, not only from a material point of view, but also relational and emotional. Even when the competent authorities are attentive and intervene, they often encounter resistance from the beneficiaries or their families, and the acceptance of aid is conditional on internal dynamics that are difficult to break. Sometimes, only when these situations are made public – even if by less conventional means, such as videos on social networks – to generate pressure or the necessary opening to move forward,” said the ISSM. They further advised that the son has already refused help from the municipality’s rubbish collection teams.
However, Social Security has made it clear that it will strictly monitor the situation, including scheduled home visits from technicians from the municipality, local health centre, and Social Security Institute. The objective is to agree on an interinstitutional action strategy to create the necessary conditions to ensure sustained improvement in the living conditions of the elderly woman and her household.
As DIÁRIO reported, based on the publication by the animal welfare charity -Help to Feed Dogs, a dog, a cat, and five kittens were removed from the house.
In a statement issued by the animal welfare charity:
“The animals were saved, but the humans continue to live in a state of abandonment. We are dealing with situations of alcoholism, neglect, and social vulnerability. There is an elderly woman who is bedridden and suffering, who needs support.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
