Elderly man living in dire conditions in Faresmaathoda transferred to state care

An elderly man who was living alone in dire conditions in GDh. Faresmaathoda has been taken into the custody of the Social and Family Development Ministry.

The elderly man was transferred to state care on August 22, through joint efforts of the Faresmaathoda Police Station, the Faresmaathoda Council and the Social and Family Development Ministry.

In a statement on Monday, the GDh. Atoll Police said that the elderly man had been living in alone in extremely dire conditions.

It added that the Faresmaathoda Police Station had taken the initiative to closely monitor his condition on a daily basis and that the Faresmaathoda Council had arranged all his meals, prior to his transfer.

Faresmaathoda Council president Mohamed Sobah told Sun on Tuesday morning that the elderly man was in poor health, and had been living alone in dire conditions for years.

“We believe he is above 70 years of age. He had been living alone in his home. His poor health also made it hard for him to live alone. The council had been providing him with all necessary assistance prior to his transfer to the custody of Gender [Social and Family Development Ministry],” he said.

A local resident who spoke on condition of anonymity told Sun that the elderly man had family, including children, none of whom helped him.

The Social and Family Development Ministry was not immediately available for comment regarding the case.