EHRC home care report

Commenting on a yearlong review by the Equality and Human Rights Commission which has concluded there is evidence of a 'systematic failure' in the way home care is delivered in England, Age Cymru's Graeme Francis says:

"Whilst this comprehensive review covered home care services in England, we know that similar situations have happened in Wales.

"The Welsh Government and councils in Wales have been working hard to improve services but we are concerned that the squeeze on public spending is putting additional pressure on services which in many cases were already struggling with a lack of resources.

"Home care must be focused on caring for and listening to individuals rather than focusing on a tick box of tasks to be completed within a 15-minute time frame.

"There are also issues around training, skills and knowledge in a workforce which is given a low status, that may be contributing to abuse and neglect.

"We know that the majority of abuse occurs in people's own homes and there is a major role for home care providers to ensure that people's human rights are protected and to recognise and report where they have concerns over the treatment being provided to people.

"This is why Age Cymru has launched Rule Out Abuse - our campaign to address abuse and neglect, and to better protect people who may be vulnerable. "