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Older People’s Commissioner announces Review into Advocacy Arrangements in Wales
30.9.11
Ruth Marks has announced that she will use her legal powers to undertake a Review into advocacy arrangements for older people living in care homes in Wales.
The Review will assess whether, and to what extent, current arrangements are effective in safeguarding and promoting the interests of older people in care homes and will gather evidence from a wide range of sources, including older people who live in care homes. It will make practical recommendations for change where needed.
Ruth Marks, said: “Many of the enquiries I receive relate to older people’s experiences of living in care homes in Wales and the lack of advocacy provision has become a cause of increasing concern to me.
“Advocacy is vital to help people to say what they want, secure their rights, represent their interests and obtain the services they need. Preliminary work indicates that the provision of this essential form of support is often lacking, meaning that some of the most vulnerable older people in our society cannot access the help they might need.
“As independent Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, it is my job to use my powers to stand up for older people in Wales and I will make practical recommendations as part of the Review to address any concerns about current advocacy arrangements.”
Rachel Rowlands, Chief Executive of Age Concern Morgannwg, which provides independent advocacy services in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil and Bridgend said:
“During the last year, the Older People’s Commissioner has carried out a large amount of important work on behalf of older people, as highlighted in her annual report, and I welcome her announcement of a Review into advocacy arrangements in care homes in Wales.
“The provision of local, independent advocacy services for older people plays a vital role in ensuring older people get the services, treatment and respect they deserve. This is particularly relevant to those whose voice is diminished by ill health or a change in circumstances. Age Concern organisations across Wales see the real difference the support of an advocate can make in supporting an older person bring about positive change and improve their quality of life. I welcome the announcement and look forward to contributing to the review.”
