‘Dementia link to sudden low blood pressure and dizziness’
October 13, 2024
Sarah Rochira, the older people’s commissioner for Wales, says she will use her legal powers to carry out the study.
It will involve speaking to older people, their families and carers to ensure more consistency of services.
The Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales has welcomed the move.
“Since I took up post, I have spoken extensively about the need to ensure that older people living in care homes in Wales are safe, well cared for and have a good quality of life,” Ms Rochira said.
“I have visited many care homes and have seen for myself much good practice across Wales, but I have spoken many times about my concerns that this is not consistent and that we are not getting it right for everyone.
“We must remember that a person’s home is so much more than bricks and mortar, it is where you should feel and be safe, well cared for and happy.”
Ms Rochira and her team will gather evidence from older people in care homes, their families and carers, as well as from local authorities, local health boards, care home providers, regulators and inspectors.
The evidence will be used both to highlight the best care in Wales and to make recommendations to ensure that the rights of older people are upheld and they have the best possible quality of life.
“My review will give voice directly back to older people living in care homes and their voices will be at the heart of my recommendations.
“Let us remember that older people are not a group apart, they are our mums, our dads, our families, our friends, those we care for and love. All have a right to the very best of care but, more than that, to the very best of lives.”
Last year Ms Rochira warned that public bodies could face legal action if they fail older people when she published the commission’s work programme to improve services to older people in 50 areas.
The new review has been welcomed by Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales.
Its chief inspector Imelda Richardson said: “Making sure that homes are safe and that people’s experiences are good is at the core of our inspection work, and I look forward to working with the older people’s commissioner.
“In the last two years we have transformed the way we inspect services.
“As well as checking that they are run in accordance with the law, we also focus and report on the quality of experiences for people using services.
“Our inspectors spend more time listening and speaking to people about their experiences of the service and support they are receiving. This allows us to get a more accurate picture of a service.”
Source BBC News