Information about services and how to access them needs to be provided in a clear way that is easy to understand for all those who need it. Many older people have contacted the Commission over the past year uncertain where to go to seek the information they need. They have told us of the difficulties they have faced in accessing information and they are often left feeling bewildered and confused at the information when they do finally receive it.
The Older People’s Commission for Wales fully supports the move towards clear English and the need for all organisations to ‘write it as you say it’.
We are not given any details of our electricity consumption so we are not able to compare prices elsewhere.
Also do companies realise that people’s eyesight tends to deteriorate with age, and the minuscule printing on the revised tariff is not at all helpful?
An Older Person,
West Wales
The Commission is very interested in work carried out by organisations such as this and plans to build on this by training its own staff so that the information we provide to older people is clear and concise.
Provision of clear information is critical and it is vital that services are delivered in a joined up manner and there is a back up in place if a problem arises.
As the numbers of older people who need access to services increases, the starting point should be;
• An accurate assessment of the individuals needs
• A comprehensive plan to meet those needs
• Consideration of the whole person and not just one aspect of their health or welfare.
We have received comments, covering a wide range of service related issues from charging for care and broader care related matters to transport provision in their local communities. The following comments are the personal opinions and experiences of older people from all over Wales.
Care
Having to sell your home to meet care costs when some people get it free. This needs to be sorted.
An Older Person,
South Wales
Charging for care is a very sore subject and needs to be clarified. Nursing care should be free. Too much discrimination at present.
An Older Person, South Wales
The Human Rights Act must apply to all private providers of care.
An Older Person, South Wales
Need to specify the definite criteria for distinguishing 24 hour care - which is paid for, and continuing care – which is free.
An Older Person, South Wales
Carers need ‘one-stop shops or one number to ring to find out how to help their ‘cared-for’.
An Older Person, North Wales
There must be a meaningful, workable relationship between the NHS and social services.
An Older Person,
North Wales
Hospital waiting lists are still far too long.
An Older Person,
North Wales
I am concerned at hospital ward staffing – it’s no good placing food and drink in front of many patients, they need assistance or become malnourished.
An Older Person,
South Wales
Quicker access to hearing aid repairs.
An Older Person, South Wales
Hospital and GP surgeries do not always liaise with each other which leaves people alone and frightened and very frustrated.
An Older Person,
North Wales
I am very concerned about the chiropody service...cutbacks in the number of sessions...they do not appear to treat patients according to the patient’s clinical needs.
An Older Person,
South Wales
More community buses for older pensioners without transport.
An Older Person,
South Wales
Lack of suitable transport causes isolation.
An Older Person,
North Wales
No dropped floors (on transport) so I can’t go out.
An Older Person,
South Wales
Nice to have the raised pavements at bus stops but drivers should get nearer to them.
An Older Person,
South Wales
Free rail passes would help.
An Older Person,
South Wales
Older people have also contacted us about the increase in Post Office closures around the country and how this is affecting their area.
The choice by some councils to turn off street lights at certain times to save money and reduce their carbon footprint. This has left some older people feeling isolated or frightened to leave their homes after dusk for fear of falling and lack of assurance provided by street lighting.