Elderly Emirati man filmed on camera being abused by caregiver is recovering

DUBAI // An Emirati learnt that his elderly father was being abused by his carer after setting up a hidden video camera in his home.

The 88-year-old man’s son suspected that his father was being abused and set up the camera to monitor the Asian caregiver, who was filmed slapping and beating the old man with a stick.

The Emirati was taken to the Family Gathering Centre in Dubai to complete a medical assessment and ensure he received complete psychological and social assistance.

Essa Al Maidoor, director general of Dubai Health Authority (DHA), visited the patient and denounced the mistreatment committed by his carer. Mr Al Maidoor reiterated that respect and caring for the elderly is an important part of UAE culture.

The elderly Emirati suffers from hypertension, arthritis in the knees and back, mild cognitive impairment and hearing impairment.

He is now having physiotherapy sessions, including cupping therapy for his knees to improve the blood flow and relieve pain.

The patient will continue to stay at the centre until his treatment is completed. His family members have been asked to bring his new carer to the centre so that staff can educate him and the man’s family on how to take care of the patient.

The Family Gathering Centre currently has 27 inpatients and 70 outpatients. It is the only centre of its type for the elderly in the emirate and provides many services for geriatric patients including physiotherapy, memory training, cognitive therapy, rehabilitation, physiological counselling and all forms of geriatric care to ensure the elderly are well taken care of.

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