'Older people have rights too' debate
Published on 18 January 2012 02:30 PM
Welcoming a short debate at the Senedd this afternoon titled ‘Older people have rights too', sponsored by Darren Millar AM, Victoria Lloyd, Age Cymru's Director of Influencing says:
"Age Cymru is a staunch campaigner for older people's rights and we are delighted that the Assembly will be debating this important issue this afternoon and we very much hope that older people's dignity and respect will be central to these discussions.
"Our Rule Out Abuse campaign is calling on the Welsh Government to make sure that the rights of older people who have been abused are upheld and their voices are central to all adult protection processes and decisions in Wales.
"So far, the campaign has generated significant support, with over 350 individuals, organisations and politicians having signed their commitment to the principles and calls in the Rule Out Abuse charter, including one third of all Assembly Members.
Victoria Lloyd continues:
"An estimated 39,000 older people in Wales have experienced abuse in their own homes, and action is desperately needed.
"This is why it is vital that Welsh Government ensures human rights principles are at the centre of all policy development and in the practical delivery of services to older people.
"This will help to ensure that older people are able to maximise their own opportunities for health, happiness and wellbeing, and together we can all work towards ruling out elder abuse in Wales."