ORANJESTAD, Aruba — Aruba Elder Abuse Policy and the government’s response to concerns about the treatment of older adults are facing criticism from Drs. Melva Croes-Yanez, neuropsychologist and president of Fundacion Alzheimer Aruba.
Croes-Yanez said repeated media reports and assessments of the quality of care in Aruba’s residential care facilities continue to raise serious concerns about alleged abuse, neglect and inadequate attention involving vulnerable older adults.
Speaking in her capacity as president of Fundacion Alzheimer Aruba and through the organization’s “No Excuse for Elder Abuse” initiative, Croes-Yanez strongly questioned recent comments attributed to the minister responsible for public health.
She argued that abuse involving older adults should never be portrayed as something ordinary or inevitable.
Aruba Elder Abuse Policy Must Protect Seniors
Croes-Yanez said Aruba Elder Abuse Policy should place the dignity, safety, health and human rights of older adults at the center of government action.
She criticized comments suggesting that abuse has always occurred, including within families, arguing that such statements risk creating the impression that mistreatment is simply a normal part of society.
Fundacion Alzheimer Aruba said elder abuse must never become accepted as a routine occurrence.
According to Croes-Yanez, older adults deserve policies and services that protect their dignity, personal safety and well-being.
She also called for stronger laws, protocols, oversight and enforcement to address different forms of elder abuse, including physical mistreatment, financial exploitation and neglect.
Foundation Calls for Immediate Investigation
Fundacion Alzheimer Aruba is calling for an immediate investigation into reported incidents and concerns involving residential care homes in Aruba.
Croes-Yanez said the public expects government officials responsible for health and elderly care to demonstrate accountability and take concrete action when serious concerns arise.
She argued that acknowledging that abuse exists does not provide justification for inadequate action.
The foundation is therefore calling for a zero-tolerance approach to elder abuse, without exceptions.
Croes-Yanez said investigations should determine what happened in reported cases and identify measures necessary to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Stronger Care-Home Rules Requested
Fundacion Alzheimer Aruba also wants the government to move beyond reading and discussing reports concerning abuse and poor-quality care.
According to Croes-Yanez, effective Aruba Elder Abuse Policy should result in measurable improvements and a significant reduction in abuse and neglect.
She called for firm rules to prevent mistreatment in every sector providing services to older adults.
These measures should include stronger supervision, clear care standards and greater accountability for organizations and professionals responsible for vulnerable residents.
Croes-Yanez said meaningful action also requires a change in approach toward elder care, with policies that are efficient, realistic and sustainable over the long term.
Older Adults Deserve Safe and Dignified Care
Fundacion Alzheimer Aruba maintains that older adults should be able to depend on care providers and authorities to protect their safety and dignity.
The organization argues that reports of abuse or neglect must be taken seriously and followed by appropriate investigations and preventive measures.
The foundation’s position follows continuing public discussion about elder abuse and the quality of care available to seniors in Aruba.
Croes-Yanez said the goal should not simply be to acknowledge that problems exist, but to create lasting measures that substantially reduce abuse and improve protection for older adults.
Through stronger Aruba Elder Abuse Policy, Fundacion Alzheimer Aruba is urging authorities to establish clear standards, enforce protections and ensure that senior citizens receive the safe, respectful and dignified care they deserve.
