Developing the use of our legal powers: Invitation to engage
This message is about my First Review and an invitation to engage. My role is:
| * To promote the interests of older people in Wales | * To review the law |
| * To challenge age discrimination in Wales | * To encourage best practice |
I am pleased to announce that the area of my First Review will be older people in a health care or social care setting and whether they are treated with dignity and respect. I want to ensure that older people’s rights are protected. The Commission is unique because we are able to carry out reviews and make recommendations for change based on older people’s experiences.
In choosing this area, I have given a lot of thought to all the information that the Commission has received from older people, families, carers and organisations working with and for older people. We have received a great deal of correspondence from older people and a great deal of evidence from other sources.
I considered a number of topics for review. My decision has been made using a robust process, during which I decided that the Commission is well placed to undertake this particular piece of work – other reviews will follow. Care is a high priority for older people. I have been told about some excellent services, but some situations have really shocked me, for example, the use of incontinence pads when people do not need them. Lack of assistance for people to eat when and where they need it in care settings. Older people not being asked how they would like to be addressed, for example by their first name or more formally. Some of these challenges are not costly to put right.
I’d like to thank everyone who has contacted me. Your evidence means that we have been able to root all our work in what matters most to older people
Of course, conducting reviews is not the only legal power available to me. I will also be pursuing a range of opportunities to intervene appropriately in policy-making and influencing on a wide range of issues.
This is an invitation to engage. I would value your views about the particular focus for the review. Should it be hospitals, residential care or care at home? Are there specific aspects we should consider, for instance, nutrition, social activities or whether older people are involved in planning their own care? Your comments will inform the process to determine the scope of the review and the type of care setting it will focus on. The results will be announced, along with the name of the person who will Chair the panel of enquiry in March.
You can contact the Commission by telephoning us on 08442 64 06 70, writing to Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Cambrian Buildings, Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff, CF10 5FL, or emailing us at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. I really look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|