Community anger and investigation launched into care home claims

The scene in Grand Bahama amid protests over claims related to a nursing home on October 24, 2024.

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport reporter

THE Ministry of Social Services has launched an investigation into allegations of elder abuse and financial exploitation at the ‘Home Away From Home’ senior care facility in Grand Bahama.

The investigation follows growing outrage within the community, alleging that the facility’s manager, Mervie Knowles, has allegedly exploited elderly residents by seizing control of their homes, cars, National Insurance Board (NIB) benefits and life insurance policies to take. The ministry said the matter has been referred to the Royal Bahamas Police Force for further investigation.

The Ministry of Social Services and the Ministry of Grand Bahama expressed deep concern over the allegations, adding: “The protection and well-being of our older citizens is a priority, and we want to assure the public that we are taking this matter very seriously . .”

The ministries pledged to hold accountable anyone found responsible for misconduct, stressing the importance of ensuring the investigation process is thorough.

The case gained public attention after Phillipa Carey, whose grandmother Ingrid Carey resides at the facility, accused Ms. Knowles of obtaining power of attorney over her grandmother’s assets. Ms Carey alleged that Ms Knowles had moved into her grandmother’s house without her consent and taken control of her property and finances.

Upon returning to Freeport from Chub Cay, Ms. Carey claimed she discovered that her grandmother’s home in Bahamas had been transferred to Ms. Knowles, along with her NIB pension, survivor benefits and life insurance policy.

“I have to rent an Airbnb or stay with friends because a stranger came and took everything,” she said, calling for justice and calling for greater oversight of Grand Bahama’s elderly care facilities.

When contacted by The Tribune, Ms. Knowles declined to comment, citing her busy schedule. However, in a separate interview with ZNS, she defended her actions, claiming that Ingrid Carey voluntarily signed over her property and named her as the beneficiary of her life insurance policy to ensure her funeral expenses were covered.

Other families have come forward with their own disturbing stories, including Jordan Curry, who accused the facility of neglecting his late grandfather. He claimed his grandfather was left unattended for hours after suffering a seizure and the institution took control of his NIB benefits, allegedly without the family’s knowledge. Mr Curry called on the government and the Grand Bahama Port Authority to investigate and urged families with loved ones in aged care to take action.

Pastor Margo Victor of Living Water Assembly of God emphasized the need for regular inspections of elder care facilities to prevent further exploitation, while Apostle Tyrone Thomas, a member of the Grand Bahama Christian Council, described the situation as “heartbreaking.”

In its official statement, the Ministry of Social Services urged the public to be patient as the investigation continues, and assured residents that any egregious behavior will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The ministry also encouraged anyone with additional information to come forward.