BBC Africa has brought to light the distressing mistreatment of elderly individuals residing at the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Thogoto Care Home for the Aged in Kiambu County.
After a covert investigation spanning two weeks, undercover reporters from BBC unveiled a deeply troubling scenario at the care facility. The revelations depicted a shocking picture of elderly residents enduring harsh physical abuse, malnutrition, and neglect of their medical needs by the staff.
Undercover footage captured by BBC exposed some staff members openly admitting to subjecting the elderly to physical violence. One employee rationalized the use of caning as a means to pacify residents who displayed violent tendencies when left alone.
Reportedly, staff members callously dumped food onto tables for those incapable of feeding themselves, leaving them struggling to access nourishment.
Former caregivers at the facility revealed instances of colleagues actively discouraging assistance to vulnerable residents during mealtimes. These accounts highlighted a disturbing pattern where victims were deprived of sustenance for days, leading to instances of starvation and tragic deaths.
The disturbing revelations continued as staff members disclosed that a significant portion of the donated food meant for the elderly was being misappropriated by employees. The investigation uncovered multiple occasions where food items were loaded into the vehicle of a senior staff member.
Additionally, BBC’s findings highlighted cases where elderly individuals were denied necessary medical attention. Even after payment was made to the home care manager, identified as Jane Gaturu, to secure hospital treatment for a senior resident suffering from a severe skin condition, the individual was left untreated. The home care manager was reported to have displayed indifference and anger towards the elderly man’s plight.
When questioned about the allegations, the manager declined to comment on whether funds for medical treatment had been received and subsequently misused.
The PCEA Thogoto Care Home for the Aged, originally established by the Women’s Guild of the local PCEA church, now operates independently. It provides shelter for approximately 50 elderly women and men.
In conclusion, the investigation conducted by BBC Africa has shone a spotlight on the distressing circumstances faced by elderly residents at the PCEA Thogoto Care Home for the Aged. The findings revealed a deeply concerning environment characterized by physical abuse, malnutrition, neglect of medical needs, and misappropriation of resources. Urgent action is required to rectify these issues and ensure the well-being and dignity of the elderly residents.
