The Dignified Residences Platform has criticized the decision of the governing group of the Cabildo of Lanzarote —made up of Canarian Coalition and Popular Party— to reject the creation of an investigation commission regarding the events that occurred in the AMAVIR elderly residences in Tías and Haría.
The events, known in recent weeks through information and audiovisual material, point to alleged abuses and inappropriate conduct towards elderly people, which has generated strong social concern. From the platform they also express their indignation at the attitude of some workers, who, in their opinion, show a lack of vocation and training.
Given this situation, Residencias Dignas considers incomprehensible the Cabildo's refusal to investigate and warns that this decision weakens the trust of the citizenry in the institutions.
In this context, the organization has shown its support for the initiative defended in the plenary by the counselor of the Mixed Group, Óscar Noda, aimed at clarifying the facts, determining responsibilities, and strengthening control mechanisms in socio-health centers.
Likewise, it highlights the urgent need to increase the number of inspectors specialized to carry out frequent and unannounced checks, as well as to improve the ratios of direct care staff in residences.
The platform also insists that any process of analysis or improvement must include the active participation of family members, sector professionals, and groups defending the rights of older people, with the aim of obtaining a complete vision of the situation.
Finally, demands the Cabildo reconsider its position and act with the responsibility that an issue of this magnitude demands. Dignified Residences reaffirms its commitment to continue supporting initiatives that contribute to the clarification of the facts, to the improvement of the care system, and to the support of residents and families of public and private centers in the Canary Islands.
In general terms, the organization concludes that residents need greater political commitment that allows progress towards a framework agreement that guarantees adequate care, both for those who reside in these centers as well as for those who remain in their homes, regardless of political discrepancies.