Commissioner calls for urgent action from new Welsh Government to protect the rights, safety and well-being of older people across Wales
The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales has written to the new First Minister, Rhun ap Iorwerth, calling for urgent action in key areas to protect the rights, safety and well-being of older people across Wales.
In her letter, the Commissioner highlights that while many older people in Wales have positive experiences and strong community support, significant challenges remain that require immediate attention from the Welsh Government, much of which is aligned to the commitments in the Government’s ‘First 100 Days’ paper.
The Commissioner is calling for an action plan to end to so-called ‘corridor care’ where treatment is provided on non-clinical environments, given the disproportionate impact this issue has on older people (as the main users of hospitals), and the significant risks it creates in terms of patient safety and dignity.
The Commissioner is also calling for greater support for older people who are struggling financially, with living costs expected to rise drastically in the months ahead as a result of the conflict in the Middle East. She wants the Welsh Government to establish a new Resilience Fund to provide assistance to older people who are struggling, but do not qualify for other forms of financial support, such as Pension Credit.
Alongside this, the Commissioner wants further action to proactively identify and help older people to claim the financial support they are entitled to, which can be worth thousands a year – it’s estimated that over £100m went unclaimed and remained with the Treasury last year rather than reaching older people’s pockets.
With a growing focus on digital delivery, the Commissioner is also calling on the Welsh Government to examine whether public bodies and organisations have the guidance they need to navigate a rapidly changing digital landscape and ensure the services they develop are accessible and inclusive.
Finally, the letter emphasises the significant contribution older people make to Wales through work, volunteering and unpaid care, worth billions of pounds each year, calling for greater support to enable older workers to remain in or return to employment, which could boost the Welsh economy by around £1bn a year.
Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Rhian Bowen-Davies, said:
“It’s vital we capitalise on the energy and momentum that’s been generated by a historic election and the formation of a new Government to deliver meaningful, positive change for older people.
“Growing older in Wales is a positive experience for many people and we have strong foundations from which to build progress and change, not least the invaluable strength, resilience and support within our communities.
“But there is still much to do to ensure older people can access the services and support they need to live and age well, and that their rights are protected and upheld.
“And while much of the change required to enable this will need to be delivered over the longer-term, it is my view that action must be prioritised in a number of key areas.
“That’s why I’m calling on the First Minister to take urgent action to end the corridor care crisis, ensure older people can access cost of living support if they need it and to prevent exclusion in an increasingly digital world.
“I have requested a meeting with him to discuss these issues and how to resolve them in more detail, and look forward to receiving a response from him soon.”
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