Elderly Patients Abused and Insulted in Grottaferrata Nursing Home: Owner and Six Operators Under Custody
Grottaferrata, January 30 – The owner and six social care operators of the ‘Domus Mitreo’ nursing home in Grottaferrata have been subjected to precautionary measures following a harrowing investigation by the Carabinieri NAS of Rome. Elderly residents, many suffering from serious pathologies, were allegedly sedated without medical prescription, subjected to physical abuse, insults, and left in deplorable hygienic-sanitary conditions. The monthly fee for the facility was approximately 2,000 euros.
Shocking Revelations from Hidden Cameras
The investigation, which began in December, utilized hidden cameras to document the daily atrocities occurring at the nursing home located on Viale Vittorio Veneto. The footage revealed a disturbing routine where elderly guests were allegedly sedated at 4 PM, waking up only the following morning. Those who complained were reportedly beaten, insulted, and harassed. Residents who were agitated were tied to wheelchairs, while bedridden patients were prevented from using the bathroom by intentionally raised anti-fall rails.
Brigadier General Rinaldo Frignani, spokesperson for the Carabinieri NAS of Rome, stated, “The evidence gathered from the hidden cameras paints a grim picture of systematic abuse and neglect. It’s a clear violation of the dignity and rights of these vulnerable individuals.”
Investigation Triggered by Family Complaint
The inquiry was initiated after one of the sons of a resident reported that his father had been beaten and insulted. This led to the discovery that the operators were allegedly acting autonomously, even in the administration of tranquilizers, with the owner reportedly failing to supervise their actions. Consequently, the elderly residents were often left to fend for themselves.
“The initial complaint opened our eyes to a much larger problem,” said a representative from the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Velletri. “The extent of the abuse uncovered by the Carabinieri NAS is deeply concerning.”
Precautionary Measures Issued by the Judge
Based on the findings, the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Velletri had requested house arrest for the owner and the six social care operators. However, the investigating judge instead issued other precautionary measures. The owner of the facility has been prohibited from residing in Grottaferrata, while the involved assistants have been suspended from their professional duties. Five other individuals, including two cleaning staff members, are also under investigation.
The nursing home housed dozens of elderly individuals, many with serious health conditions. The lack of proper oversight and medical protocol regarding the administration of sedatives is a significant point of concern for investigators.
Community Reaction and Future Implications
The news of the abuse has sent shockwaves through the community of Grottaferrata. Local residents and advocacy groups are calling for stricter regulations and more frequent inspections of nursing homes to prevent similar incidents from occurring.
“This incident highlights the urgent need for robust oversight in facilities caring for our elderly,” commented a representative from a local elder care advocacy group. “We must ensure that such vulnerable members of our society are protected and treated with the respect and care they deserve.”
The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the legal proceedings continue. The authorities have assured the public that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure justice for the victims and to prevent future occurrences of such egregious abuse.
Source: https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_gennaio_30/roma-anziani-maltrattati-e-insultati-in-un-ospizio-di-grottaferrata-misure-cautelari-per-sette-operatrici-socio-assistenziali-48b445ce-9992-48dd-9ecf-1a3c3176axlk.shtml
