In Bulgaria, 75 severely neglected elderly people were found in two illegal nursing homes. Some residents were tied to their beds. Eighteen victims were in such poor condition that they were taken to the hospital. Five suspects have been arrested.
The Bulgarian Minister of Justice described the conditions in the “horror homes” at a press conference on Saturday.
The doors and windows were locked, the hygiene was deplorable, and there was no bedding. Telephones and identity documents were confiscated. The residents also had no contact with the outside world. They were told they would get their phone back if family members called, reports the Bulgarian medium BTA.
There was no medical personnel present. Doctors only came when a resident died. In addition, unqualified personnel administered injections. Some victims were heavily sedated. “One resident said he had tried to escape twice, but was brought back each time,” the minister said.
The residents, between 51 and 85 years old, paid 900 lev (approximately 450 euros) per month for their stay. Of the eighteen victims who were taken to the hospital, two are in poor condition.
The minister emphasized that there are large-scale inspections of nursing homes. The investigation focuses on real estate fraud in which vulnerable people are victimized. Licenses have been revoked from homes across the country that did not comply with the rules.