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City Hall intensifies the fight against illegal nursing homes and strengthens the elderly protection network
Published on 26/09/2025 - 11:31 | Updated
In 2025 alone, 17 irregular establishments were closed in operations - Disclosure The Rio de Janeiro City Hall, through the Municipal Secretariat for Healthy Aging and Quality of Life (SEMESQV), has been expanding its efforts to combat clandestine institutions that expose the elderly to risky situations and rights violations. This week, an integrated operation led to the arrest of the owner of a clandestine nursing home after the death of an elderly person was confirmed. The operation involved the participation of the secretariat, the Municipal Health Surveillance Institute (IVISA-RIO), the Civil Police (22nd Precinct), the Municipal Secretariat for Social Assistance (SMAS), the Municipal Council for the Defense of the Rights of the Elderly (COMDEPI), and the Municipal Health Department (SMS) with SAMU (Mobile Emergency Medical Service).
In 2025 alone, 17 illegal establishments were shut down in joint operations with IVISA-Rio and the support of SEMESQV and other agencies. The operations resulted in the rescue of 95 vulnerable elderly people and the recording of five deaths, including the case at 96 Paxiuba Street in Brás de Pina on September 23, where the person responsible for the establishment was arrested and taken to the police station.
According to the municipal secretary of Healthy Aging and Quality of Life, Felipe Michel, who directly participates in the operations together with IVISA-Rio, the Elderly Police Station (DEAPTI) and other agencies, the results are already reflected in greater engagement from society.
– The operation won't stop. Quite the contrary: after the repercussions surrounding the closure of illegal nursing homes, the number of complaints doubled. The publication of the results has drawn greater public attention, which has helped identify suspected illegal facilities.
Currently, reports of mistreatment, neglect, or improper operation of institutions average ten referrals per month. IVISA-RIO conducts 40 to 60 inspections of institutions monthly.
The national situation is also alarming. Data from the National Human Rights Ombudsman's Office (ONDH) shows that, in the first months of 2025 alone, there was a 38% increase in reports of violence against the elderly, totaling more than 65 reports nationwide. Among the most common violations are physical assault, psychological abuse, property abuse, neglect, and even sexual violence—crimes that can occur both in institutions and within families.
In addition to the Elderly Rights program, the Rio de Janeiro City Hall is investing in strengthening long-term care facilities for the elderly (ILPIs) that operate regularly. In September, 64 Dignity Seals were awarded to institutions that distinguished themselves for their good management practices, welcoming services, and quality of life.
The seal, created by SEMESQV in partnership with COMDEPI, is a seal of approval that recognizes and recognizes LTCFs committed to the safety, transparency, and dignity of older adults, and encourages other institutions to follow the same standard of excellence. Currently, the city has approximately 250 LTCFs, of which 120 have already applied for registration and 40 are in progress.
"Our commitment is to make Rio an age-friendly city. Joining the program demonstrates that institutions are committed to this goal, striving to provide care with dignity, safety, and respect," Felipe Michel emphasized.
The City Hall emphasizes that the registry remains open to all ILPIs in the city, increasing transparency and oversight of the care network.
Reports of mistreatment, neglect, or irregular operation can be made by calling 1746 or the Rio Cuidadoso channel (21) 97533-8831. For information on the ILPI registration process, COMDEPI can be contacted by email at comdepi.rio@gmail.com.
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