Clandestine elderly care home shut down in Montevideo; residents moved to safety

Uruguay's Ministry of Social Development (Mides) has activated emergency protocols following the discovery of a clandestine elderly care home in Montevideo. The intervention came after police responded to a report of distress calls emanating from the property late Friday night.

Upon entering the premises, authorities found several elderly individuals housed in cramped conditions and exhibiting apparent poor health. The facility, located at the intersection of Mateo Cabral and Comercio streets, lacked any identifying signage or visible permits, indicating its irregular operation. The owner admitted the home was operating illegally and had exceeded its capacity.

Mides, along with the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of the Interior, is coordinating efforts to ensure the protection of the residents' rights, care, and attention. Professionals from Mides are currently meeting with the families of the residents to discuss available alternatives and plan the next steps for their relocation.

In the interim, the ministry has arranged for immediate services including food, cleaning, and specialized care for the affected elderly individuals. Both the owner and the manager of the clandestine residence have been detained and are scheduled to provide statements to the prosecutor's office on Saturday. The discovery highlights concerns about the oversight and regulation of care facilities for vulnerable populations.