Amman, April 21 (Petra) – The Ministry of Social Development on Sunday dismissed claims made in a widely circulated social media video in which an elderly man alleges he was mistreated at three elderly care facilities.

In a statement, the ministry said the man’s claims are "inaccurate and not based on documented facts." Authorities had first encountered the individual wandering without shelter in the city of Russeifa in late 2022, the ministry said.

Following established legal protocols and humanitarian obligations, the man was placed in a care facility and later transferred between homes based on his own requests. In early 2024, he asked to leave the last facility to live with one of his brothers, a request the ministry facilitated.

The ministry added that during his time outside care facilities, the man visited the Russeifa social development office to submit formal requests confirming his preference not to remain in institutional care requests which were approved and documented.

The ministry also said it covered all expenses related to the man’s stays in care homes, and confirmed he is receiving monthly assistance from the National Aid Fund, in addition to other financial support through 2025.

Authorities expressed willingness to readmit him to a care facility should he choose to return, stressing that his privacy would be respected and no personal documents or details would be disclosed publicly.

The ministry criticized the platform that published the interview, accusing it of exploiting humanitarian issues for online reach while disregarding professional ethics. It also noted that the same platform had previously published similar content that prompted legal action.

The ministry called for accuracy and objectivity in media coverage and urged reliance on official sources to avoid spreading misinformation that could harm public interest and the reputation of Jordan’s care institutions.

It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of residents in care homes, particularly the elderly, and said it would continue its oversight role through its central and field units.

//Petra// AF

21/04/2025 01:18:27