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Old man needs a roof
Old and helpless Cleveland Cox lives alone in a dilapidated house with no utilities. (Picture by Donnay Deane)
Published on: 11/6/2009.
ALL JACK GRIFFITH WANTS before he leaves Barbados next week is for his uncle Cleveland Cox to be given institutional care.
Griffith, who resides overseas, says he was shocked to see the living conditions of his 82-year-old uncle when he visited him as soon as he arrived here late last month.
The angry and upset man said his uncle's home was now a dilapidated, collapsing shell in 4th Avenue, Goodland, St Michael.
The helpless old man spends his days in what is supposed to be a bedroom. It contains an old bed and a chair. On the floor is a bowl and a cup. The side of the room is collapsing and the sun's rays flash through the rotten ceiling.
A frail Cox sits on a chair and gazes helplessly around, seemingly unable to comprehend his dire surroundings.
Griffith takes up a plastic bag on the floor next to where the old man is sitting. He holds his nose and squirms as he points to its contents: old clothes, garbage and faeces.
"Someone cleaned him and left everything in this bag next to him," Griffth says angrily, as he asks his uncle if he was okay. The old man just looks at him with a blank stare.
He bends down and grabs his uncle's foot. "Look," he says, "he weighs about 50 pounds."
At the entrance to the room there is an old, battered, unused refrigerator. It is being used to block the door to prevent his uncle from leaving the room and wandering.
There is no furniture in the living room. An old gas stove perched on a table is the only thing that adorns the dining room.
The house has no electricity, no water and no telephone service.
"This is a man who is getting $2 500 a month from two pensions and this is the state he is living in. I am hurt and angry to see my uncle living like this. Anytime soon this house can blow down on top of him. When it rains he gets soaked. He is sick. He needs urgent care," Griffith cried.
He said when his uncle could no longer care for himself, he gave a female friend power of attorney to collect his pension.
"I don't know who the person is. All I hear is that people come here and give him food, but you mean to tell me with all the money he is getting, they could not pay to put him in a home and let him be cared for?"
After seeing how his uncle was living, Griffith said he contacted the National Assistance Board (NAB) and pleaded with them to get his uncle help.
"I was hurt when they told me that somebody had made a complaint about a month ago about my uncle. They said they visited the house but they could not get in. I don't know if they saw the door closed, but all they had to do was push it because it can't lock. I don't care where they put him as long as he is not in this position," he said.
He said his uncle had been good to him over the years.
"I remember the nights when I use to sit with him and drink and play cards," Griffith stated, adding Cox's wife predeceased him several years ago. He had one daughter who lived overseas all her life.
Griffith said he did not have the means to get his uncle out of his present condition, neither did his uncle have a close relationship with other family members.
He said while he was not relying solely on Government to help, he wanted the person who was "drawing" his uncle's money to put him in a home.
"He has worked hard all of his life. That is a lot of money that he is getting; the least they can do is put him in a home so that he can spend the rest of his days in comfort."
When contacted, NAB director Clayton Springer said while he was not aware of the situation, he would have the matter investigated.
However, he stated that the NAB usually conducted assessments with other agencies before making such decisions to institutionalise elderly people.
Springer added though there was a shortage of space at the institutions and such a process could take time.
26 comment found!
: 11/7/2009
Did his daughter die, did they keep in contact with each other and if so did he have any grandchildren who knew their grandfather, maybe this could be a case where he had a child that he never took care of...however let us not be the judge on that but it is always a sad when you come across articles such as this...I think he needs more than a roof...he needs, as other readers mentioned, to be placed in a proper nursing facility. Let's not forget though, we all know, some of the elderly are very stubborn when they reach a certain age, they do not want to leave their homes even if it is falling down upon them and when they are forced to do so many times they die quicker than if they were left alone. This is not good for him, somehow if he was your favourite uncle you should have known of this a long time ago, after his wife died you should have been in contact with him more often, visited Barbados more regular and then you would have been better able to see what was going on with him. I hope you are not now coming to rescue because land in Barbados is out of your reach, so when he die you will get a piece to build on( you have to carry some blame also). For the person who has Power of Attorney, this is wrong, if your parents are alive, would you like someone to treat them in this manner, I hope you don't have children, and your parents dead.... but remember, what goes around comes around...these are my last words to you "May you never grow old".
Poor man : 11/7/2009
Sad sad story. Fortunately for my grandparents in their old age family took care of them. We all lived int the same house and took care of eac other. The person who takes the monthly check simply does not have a conscience. How can one do this and see the poor man living in such a deplorable situation. Shame on them. There should be a law gainst this and anyone who is given power of attorney for such a matter should be held accountable each month for where the money goes. I get social security for my son and every once in a while I have to be accountable for how I spend it. Is there a facility for the aged in Barbados who are in similar situations?
this is shame big shame : 11/7/2009
if this poor man give this person permission to cash his pension they can i am sure they find her it is so easy and made her pay back the money she is a crook and should be shame of hereself hope this man get help . this happens all the time to our old folks and it have come to a end .they old work hard and pave the road for all of us dont u all forget the pension he is he should living in piece and comfort as long as the good lord alllow him jr montreal
: 11/6/2009
More than likely this old man was dragged out of his deplorable home during the last election to some polling station to vote.So "Pension",they are some others even worse than whoever collects the old man's pension cheque.
Sad story about our elderly : 11/6/2009
Why hasn't his nephew visited more frequently. His uncle's housing dilemna didn't happen overnight. also, he needs to step up to the plate and take over power of attorney from whomever has it. How you can turn over something so important to an unknown individual. i really cannot believe someone could do this to a family member. This situation can be remedied now once NIS informs his who is cashing the pension checkss. Please don't leave barbados until your uncle is settled in a better housing situation. Concerned bajan/Boston
this is so sad... : 11/6/2009
i want to cry. no elderly person should have to live this way. no food, no water, and living like a yard animal? there should not be a waiting period before something is done, because he is not the only one living under these conditions. they should all have a safe place to live. this is barbados, not a third-world country! somebody please step in and help the elderly!!!!
: 11/6/2009
I am afraid this is not at all shocking nor is it unique. One only need to look for the old folk who no longer turn up for church, who no longer walk down their streets. In many instances the very vultures preying upon them are their own offspring. I've seen it with these four eyes.
Pension : 11/6/2009
The person who is collecting the man pension is wicked. The Lord see whatever we do is life to other. Karma goes around so to the collector try to have some heart because when you get to his age that is when Karma will come to worse.
Old man needs a roof : 11/6/2009
This is a very sad story. However, it appears that Jack Griffith has also abandoned his uncle. I am quite sure that Mr. Cox's situation has been a gradual progression over the years, which lends to the conclusion that Jack Griffith has not heard or seen his uncle in a very long time. It should not be very difficult to track down the culprit that is ripping off his pensions and prosecute the person. I hope that Mr.Cox will get the help he so badly needs. This is not a case where he needs a hand out. $2500.00 a month in pensions can go a long way in making him more comfortable.
A sad sad situation : 11/6/2009
The NAB should have on record who is collecting his pension. Investigate to see what the money is being used for because based on what I read he is not being taken care of. Have the person to return the money so he can be put into a nursing care facility . This is the worst thing to do to a frail man.Sometimes you see people in Barbados living big, but they are stealing other peoples money. Remember what goes around comes around might not be now but sooner or later. Welfare authorities get involve right away.
Does he need a roof alone? : 11/6/2009
Everyone sees that he needs a roof...but for crying out loud, the man needs a bed..!!! From what I see, if that's the room he lives in he needs a bed, let alone a proper one. From what I see, I conclude that he sleeps in that chair as well... People only care about themselves... that's the only way something like this could have gone on for so long...
: 11/6/2009
Where have you been all this time? If my uncle was that good to me all these years, I would have to maintain some type of contact with him and make sure that he is taken care of. $10 US dollars is $20 bajan on the street, so contribute.
ELDERLY MAN : 11/6/2009
THEY SHOULD FIND THE PERSON WHO IS RECEIVING HIS MONEY HE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO LIVE LIKE THIS WITH THE MONEY THE PERSON IS RECEIVING . THAT PERSON SHOULD HAVE TO REPAY HIM HIS MONEY THIS IS A DISGRACE
AMAZING...!! : 11/6/2009
I am sure the woman that is collecting the money is not working and is using that money to support herself. And it seems that the NAB is not excited about changing his position as they are offering excuses of administrative processes that will delay action. I won't even bother to comment on the absense of the family members or whose responsiblity it was to check on the man. I see EVERY party involved in this scenario as being at fault. Amazing is all I have to say...
: 11/6/2009
I`ll bet that when the politicians were looking for votes they knew he was there. The election is over,where is the rep. for that area?Can`t be found now.Whoever is recieving that money should have to give an account for the $2500 that they are getting.Please don`t talk about an attorney,that would be more dishonesty. I went in the St.Michael district hospital to visit someone and they`re buildings there that can be repaired and house these pensioners that are in these positions and the money would go back to the Government for his or her care.All you hear that there`s no room in these institutions.Barbados should know that there are lots of seniors and that they will have to start to make plans for the unfortunate.
: 11/6/2009
It is unneccessary to have an inquest over re where the nephew has been etc, etc, facts are this man needs help, why is it so difficult for people to be compassionate, none of us know where we might one day end up or in what situation we may find ourselves in....there but for the grace of god go!!!
Old Man Needs A Roof/And Much Muchf Moore!!!!! : 11/6/2009
This is for people who live in and outside of Barbados who have family members that is getting older or they mind is going. We as black people do not prepared for our senior life like we do for our adult life. Make wills, turn over the majority of things that you can no longer handle to a person that u can trust, whether it is a distance family member or a friend. You can make adjustment to say if person A is not handling your business right then person B have the right to take over. Why did Mr.Griffith not take out power of attorney over his uncle? They are not to many lawyer any where that can be trusted to handle any person money without having someone looking over there shoulder to make sure that the money is doing what it should be doing. Mr. Griffith they are many private run nursing homes in Barbados that your uncle can go into that would take very good care of him. He can afford to be well taken care off, getting a pension of $2,500.00 a month. Mr. Griffith you need to take time off and do some research on nursing homes, who is cashing your uncle checks, see if u can put a stop to the issuing of his checks, start the power of attorney for your uncle ASAP. Please do not leave him in the same condition that u found him in. They must be someone in Barbados that u can trust to help u out. That is why it is important to keep close to family no matter where they are in this world. I thank God for my family. May you get help SOON!!!!!!
: 11/6/2009
The family will be nice when he has passed, and they are looking for money. Don't blame the gov't for everything, seek out the person that's enjoying the 2,500. VERY SAD
Dishonest : 11/6/2009
I hope that the person who is drawing Mr Cox`s money is full of guilt.this poor man is in his twilight years where he should be able to sit in comfort and think over the happy times he spent with his family when he was a young man.Instead he lives in squaler and does not even know what time of day it is.Shame on the Barbados social services for not paying more attention to this poor man.
Old man need roof : 11/6/2009
This is a very sad story and for a man who has worked so hard all his life to be living in such a state. This is not all a matter for the NAB what are you people having a go at the NAB for. Obviously this man has living relatives my question to the nephew is how long have you known this to be going on for, all of a sudden you pop back into Barbados to visit this man who you recall to have had such a goo dtime with while you were growing up, ask yourself what can you do , what have you done stop looking for assistance and take the initative if you love him and he was there for you when you were growing up why are you now doing this. He must have been living in such a manner for years now. What about this person who have power of attorney where is he or she and who gave him or her such powers. $2500 per month in barbados for and edlery man is a lot of money and why all of a sudden you are paying attention to this prodical uncle. Sort yourself out and have genunie motives. Dwayne ( London)
Old Man : 11/6/2009
I guess you have you not been visiting regularly Mr Griffith. The house didn't become dilapidated overnight.I hope you are not leaving either before all these problems are resolved. I also hope that Mr Cox is not one of those stubborn elderly ones who still believes he is independent, refuses to move and for whom we have the appropriate legislation and which is taking the long and winding road to Parliament. Retired
: 11/6/2009
This story is a very sorry one. In my view, this is clearly a case for the Welfare Authorities to step in, sooner rather than later and assist this gentleman. It appears that the gentleman is receiving a relatively good pension. This should be enough to pay for his keep in a private nursing home. It shouldn't take too long for this to be arranged seeing that he will not be wanting a place in one of the District Hospitals. There are too may of these stories where the elderly are not being looked after by those who are taking their pensions. I feel that it is now time for the Government to intervene (power of attorney or not)in such cases, especially when the elderly person is in receipt of a pension. Now that the NAB has been brought in, it should act immediately. I sincerely hope so.
: 11/6/2009
This is such a disgrace. The NAB needs to stop issuing a check temporily to the person that is collecting this mans pension until a full investigation is conducted. If the persons that is cashing the check is found, then they should be charged with elder abuse and fraud. To convert someones pension check for your own personal use is a crime and this person should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. To be getting this much money and having this elderly man live in such deplorable condition is a shame. Whatever happened to love thy neighbour as thyself. Someone in the community reported this to the authority. I am amazed and ashamed at the callousness of the NAB who claimed they went the house and could not get in. Why not call the police to gain entrance into the home, since the person reporting it would have given sufficient informant to warrant a forced entrance. What if he needed immidiate medical attention. This is what you call deriliction of duties, they should not have left the residence until they know that he was okay, but to go to the residence and make a poor excuse that the door was closed is pure B******T. NAB This is not a matter for assessment this is a matter for immedate action to be taken. Shame on you all. After reading these horror stories about the way the poor and elderly are trated with such indignity in BIM. I am firm in my conviction that I will never return to BIM once I retire. Bajanjoy,N.Y.
old man needs roof : 11/6/2009
Mr Griffith I am sorry to hear about the condition your uncle is in and I hope he is taken care of in the future. My question to you is, where have you been while the house was falling down and he is living like this? Surely this state of affairs did not happen overnight! It should be a simple matter to find out who has power of attorney, who is signing off on his $2,500 and to prove that they are taking proper care of him. Prehaps some kind hearted lawyer in Barbados can help him pro bono and straighten it out for him and you.
U ARE FAMILY : 11/6/2009
U CAN'T BLAME THE GOVERNMENT THE MAN HAVE FAMILY THE PERSON THAT DRAWED YOUR UNCLE MONEY THEY SHOULD MAKE HIS LIFE CONFORTABLE HE GET $2,500 THAT GOOD MONEY HE LIVING ON SO TAKE UP WITH THE FAMILY DONE P----ME OFF
odl man needs a roof : 11/6/2009
what happen to the power of attorney also where is the money going that is being collected bajan living aboard
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