# Elderly abuse and neglect incidents

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/elderly-abuse-and-neglect-incidents
> Updated: 2026-10-26T19:21:42.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 3.

Recent reports highlight separate instances of elderly abuse and neglect in South America.

In Coroatá, Maranhão, Brazilian Civil Police rescued a 72-year-old man found living in degrading conditions and severe abandonment in the rural village of Macaúba. The intervention followed a report from the Specialized Reference Center for Social Assistance (Creas). A suspect responsible for the man’s care was arrested in flagrante for mistreatment under the Statute of the Elderly and transferred to a resocialization prison unit. The victim received medical attention at a local urgent care unit.

In Argentina, journalist Marcela Coronel denounced the physical and verbal abuse of her 100-year-old mother, Berta, by caregiver Norma Noemí Sandín. Security camera footage captured Sandín hitting, pushing, and verbally insulting the victim, who suffers from advanced dementia. 

Following a formal police report, Sandín was detained and charged with injuries and threats. However, she was released 48 hours later after medical examinations at Hospital Italiano failed to detect serious physical injuries or lasting sequelae. Despite her release, Sandín remains under indictment and is subject to judicial restrictions, including a ban on leaving the country and a prohibition on approaching the victim or her family. Coronel expressed public indignation regarding the release, stating, “I want her imprisoned,” noting that while her mother cannot reconstruct the events, she still perceives physical pain.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-26: Argentina: Journalist Marcela Coronel denounces caregiver for elder abuse

Argentine journalist Marcela Coronel has denounced her mother's caregiver for abuse caught on camera. The suspect was released after medical tests showed no major injuries, though the investigation continues.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-journalist-marcela-coronel-denounces-caregiver-for-elder-abuse

### 2026-10-23: Argentina: Caregiver arrested for abusing 100-year-old woman

Argentine journalist Marcela Coronel reported that her 100-year-old mother was physically and verbally abused by a caregiver, caught on security footage. The suspect has been arrested.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/journalist-marcela-coronel-reports-abuse-of-100-year-old-mother

### 2026-10-14: Coroatá police arrest suspect after elderly man found in neglect

A 72-year-old man was rescued from degrading conditions in Coroatá, Maranhão, leading to the arrest of his caregiver for mistreatment.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/coroat-police-arrest-suspect-after-elderly-man-found-in-neglect

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Cite as: Elderly abuse and neglect incidents. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/elderly-abuse-and-neglect-incidents