Recently, a Cape family alleged that gold had been stolen from their mother’s dentures while she was at the Cape Peninsula Organisation, Lotus River Place Old Age Home. Although the brief recap sounds like the most Cape Town thing to ever Cape Town as humorously pointed out on social media, the actual story isn’t one of the same comedic relief.
Louisa Lombard is an 84-year-old woman, who also suffers from dementia, which makes her even more susceptible to being an easy target to be taken advantage of. She claimed that the gold in her dentures had been stolen while she was at the old age home, and upon further investigation, the gold pieces of the puzzle didn’t seem too far fetched.
In a dentist note seen by the Cape Argus, it was expressed that evidence of forceful removal of the gold was apparent.
It’s alleged that the teeth were taken out with something warm and that a scratching object in her mouth was also seen, as per her daughter’s claim shared by IOL.
The old age home’s authority has reportedly said the matter is under investigation and that they are awaiting the photographic evidence.
Beyond the possible theft, the family has also indicated negligence of treatment for Louisa, including her wearing the same clothes upon visits and hair being seldom washed.
What is elderly abuse?
The City of Cape Town defines elderly abuse as the “neglect or mistreatment of an older person, who can’t or doesn’t have the means to look after themselves. This kind of mistreatment can take place in a private home or retirement home for older persons.”
Elder or dependent adult neglect refers to a caregiver (which can be a family member or a professional) not meeting the needs of an elderly person who isn’t self-reliant. This includes nourishment, medication or hygiene, according to Psychology Today.
As for Louisa’s story, Cape {town} Etc has reached out to the family for more information and updates.
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Picture: Designer dentures