Puerto Rico’s Department of Family Affairs reported Wednesday that between January and July 2026, it ordered the closure of 33 long-term care homes after identifying violations of existing regulations. An additional 11 facilities were found to be operating without a license, according to the agency.Secretary Suzanne Roig Fuertes said in a written statement that the closures followed investigations that uncovered conditions that could jeopardize the safety and well-being of elderly residents.“Each closure results from a thorough investigation, evaluation, and responsible intervention process, always ensuring an orderly and safe transition for those affected,” the secretary said.Roig Fuertes explained that the investigations stemmed from reports filed by family members, neighbors, concerned citizens, employees of the facilities, healthcare professionals, and other government agencies.The inspections were carried out by the Department of Family Affairs’ Licensing Office and the Institutional Abuse Unit for Adults (UMIA), which investigate complaints involving possible legal violations and conditions that may pose risks to residents. The announcement came just days after the agency disclosed the closure of Hogar Emmanuel in Arecibo, an unlicensed long-term care facility where nine elderly residents were relocated in coordination with their families.In recent weeks, oversight of these facilities has also come under increased scrutiny following the case of Hogar Casa Dorada in Las Piedras, where a caregiver was charged with attempted murder and elder abuse after allegedly attacking an 87-year-old resident. The facility subsequently lost its operating license.As part of its ongoing oversight efforts, the Department of Family Affairs said it is continuing to implement technological tools that allow the public to verify licensed facilities and check the status of their permits through the SULME platform.The agency urged families to confirm that a facility holds a valid license before admitting an elderly relative, visit the home at different times of day, and evaluate its hygiene, safety, staffing levels, and medical and emergency care protocols.Complaints involving suspected abuse, neglect, unlicensed operations, or other irregularities may be reported to the Department of Family Affairs’ Abuse Hotline at (787) 749-1333. ---This content was translated from Spanish to English using artificial intelligence and was reviewed by an editor before being published.