Social Care News

Care homes in spotlight as Older People's Commissioner launches review

The Older People's Commissioner for Wales, Sarah Rochira, has announced a review into the quality of life for older people in care homes across Wales. Ms Rochira will also seek the views of older people in care homes about the quality of care they receive.

The study will also involve speaking to families and carers, as well as older people living in care homes, with the aim of achieving more consistent services across Wales.

As part of the review, the Older People's Commissioner will also use her legal powers to seek the views of local authorities, health boards, care home providers, regulators and inspectors.

Ms Rochira said: “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.  

"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,” she added.

Review to help ensure better services for all

The evidence gathered by the Older People's Commissioner will be used both to:

• highlight the best care in Wales
• make robust recommendations
• state improvements needed to ensure that the rights of older people in all care homes in Wales are upheld
• to ensure older people in Wales' care homes have the best possible quality of life

Find out more about the review into older people's care

• Read more about why Sarah Rochira launched the review
• Watch how the BBC covered the story
• Read Walesonline's coverage of the story