News

Information and Advice Services for Older People

30.1.12

The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales hosted a successful conference on 26 January 2012 looking at Information and Advice Services for Older People. The event was an opportunity to gather representatives from a range of sectors and organisations, as well as older people’s groups to share best practice and how to overcome the challenges faced in delivering better information and advice.

Ruth Marks stated “Older people still tell me they have problems accessing good information and advice.  They say they don’t know where to go to get help, when they get advice they cannot understand it or it isn’t relevant and when they do get good advice it often comes too late. 

“We must ensure that the information and advice on offer is fit for purpose and is tailored to meet their needs.  Information and advice for older people needs to be clear, accessible and accurate.”

This event forms part of the Commission’s ongoing work on information and advice which will culminate in the production of a guidance document for public bodies, collecting best practice and practical recommendations for change. The conference will enable the guidance to be grounded in the real-life experiences of front line providers, as well as the issues faced by older people.

Watch an audio/video slideshow used at the event below: