Cartagena Protects Vulnerable Elderly: Rescues and Comprehensive Care Initiatives

Cartagena de Indias, February 23, 2026 – The Mayor’s Office of Cartagena, through the Secretariat of Participation and Social Development, is actively working to protect and restore the rights of older adults facing abandonment or abuse. These efforts prioritize comprehensive care for this vulnerable population.

Rescuing and Protecting Older Adults

During the current administration of Mayor Dumek Turbay Paz, 54 older adults have been rescued and transferred to geriatric homes where they receive ongoing protection, support, and care. These placements follow thorough assessments to ensure safe and dignified living environments. In total, the city currently provides care for over 135 older adults in various nursing homes, offering support to those without family networks.

A Commitment to Dignified Aging

“Older people deserve to live this stage of their life with respect, care and dignity. As a society we have the duty to protect them, accompany them and guarantee that they do not face situations such as abandonment or abuse. From the district administration we will continue working so that each older adult has safe environments and comprehensive care that allows them to live with peace of mind,” stated Ana Milena Jiménez, Secretary of Social Development of the Secretariat of Participation and Social Development.

Comprehensive Care for Vulnerable Populations

Beyond elder care, the city is expanding its outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness. The Street Dweller Unit has successfully affiliated 182 people with the health system, provided access to the Second Chance Home for over 539 individuals, and supported 124 in detoxification processes. So far in 2026, more than 78 people experiencing homelessness have received care.

Recent Cases Highlight the Need for Intervention

Recent rescue operations include:

• Rubén Cabarcas (68): Rescued from the Martínez Martelo sector and transferred to the Mis Años Dorados geriatric home.
• Ever de Jesús Ruiz Quintero: Identified in El Laguito with hearing problems and now receiving care in a nursing home.
• Aramis Alcides Martínez (57): Found near the Barú Clinic with a fibula fracture and transferred to a nursing home after initial evaluation at Hogar de Paso.
• María Contreras: Rescued following a community alert in La María and now protected in a nursing home.
• César Buitrago (64): Linked to a home in 2024 after accepting institutional support.
• Franklin Goenaga (82): Rescued in the Crisanto Luque sector following a citizen report.
• Darika del Rosario (64): Abandoned by family and receiving specialized care whereas legal action is pursued against her child for alleged abandonment.

Citizen Involvement and Reporting Abuse

Abandoning or abusing an elderly person is a crime under Law 1850 of 2017, carrying legal sanctions. Citizens can report suspected cases of abuse or abandonment through the following channels:

• Line 123
• Line 125 of the CRUED
• Local Police
• The Person’s Office
• The Ombudsman’s Office
• Family Police Stations
• The Senior Citizen Unit
• The Prosecutor’s Office

Strengthening Cartagena’s Social Safety Net

The Mayor’s Office of Cartagena continues to strengthen its comprehensive strategy, ensuring not only the rescue of vulnerable older adults but also access to health services, ongoing protection, and support for rebuilding their lives. The Secretaría de Participación y Desarrollo Social is central to these efforts.