Social Services (Wales) Bill consultation
Published on 12 March 2012 09:00 AM
Wales's care system must be easier to understand so that the public know their rights and the services they are entitled to receive.
That's one of the calls we're making today as the Welsh Government launches a public debate about the future ofcare services in Wales.
Our Head of Policy and Public Affairs Graeme Francis explains:
"The Social Services (Wales) Bill sets the stage for the people of Wales to have a vital debate on how we will care for some of the most vulnerable people in Wales into the future.
"This is an opportunity to clearly spell out what the Welsh public can expect from the care system so that they understand their rights and entitlements to care.
"It is also a chance to build upon and improve the care services that are currently available, while protecting those essential services that are received by the disabled and people with care needs."
Age Cymru wants the Social Services (Wales) Bill to introduce a national set of eligibility criteria for care services, to tackle some of the wide inconsistencies in the current system and avoid unnecessary duplication of resources.
We're also calling for reablement services, which provide help for people to get ‘back on their feet' after illness, to be available across Wales.
Graeme Francis comments:
"The legislation also has the potential to deliver significant improvements to the protection of people suffering or at risk of abuse.
"Age Cymru's Rule Out Abuse campaign is calling for a single legislative framework for safeguarding adults in Wales which sets out clear responsibilities on agencies., and establishes duties to investigate, cooperate and to share information in relation to adult protection.
He concludes:
"Overall the Social Services (Wales) Bill is an opportunity to provide a consistent approach to care across Wales and a level of fairness in the way people receive care.
"However the devil will be in the detail and any changes introduced must ensure that people currently receiving help and support are not left in a position where they are worse off."