Age Concern Cymru Elder Abuse Project Seminar

Wednesday 16^th May

 

On the 16^th May 2007 Age Concern Cymru held a seminar on Elder Abuse in Cardiff University’s Conference Centre. The aim of the seminar was to generate discussion about elder abuse issues through the use of case studies and this was supported by a panel of experts who were invited to comment on the complex issues that arose.

 

 The seminar focused on issues such as ‘whistle blowing’ within residential and domiciliary care settings. We also explored the concept of elder abuse through the wider perspective of human rights. The overarching aim was to explore these issues with a view to generating a list of ‘policy asks’.  A detailed copy of the report is currently being compiled and our intention is to present copies to ministers and policy makers.   

 

The conference was well attended and was supported by a panel of experts from a range of organisations:

 

Jill Lewis - Chair, Wales Adult Protection Advisory Group.        

 

Anna Myers - Deputy Director, Public Concern at Work.       

 

Deborah Kitson - Director, Ann Craft Trust.

 

Jean Gould - Legal Officer, Help the Aged UK.

 

Laura Jerram - Acting Head of Policy and Development, Disability Rights Commission

 

Lorraine Morgan - Academic Manager, Open University in Wales.        

  

The seminar opened with a speech from Jill Lewis (Care and Social Services Inspectorate for Wales) who is chair of the All Wales Advisory Group. Jill gave an overview of what is currently happening in Wales to tackle the issue of elder abuse. The morning session centred around four case studies which were read out in the main room. The panellists were invited to comment on what issues the case study raised. Delegates were then invited to comment on the case studies drawing upon their experiences or expertise in the area.

 

The two case studies on Human Rights raised a number of interesting issues such as the compatibility of service delivery with the Human Rights Act 1998.  An independent living model would not only be ethical in terms of enabling people to have a greater choice in how they live, but also would assist providers in delivering optimum levels of care. Issues such as a lack of resources impact on continuity of care.  This can for example lead to older people not having access to advocacy and being forced to live in care homes against their wishes.

 

The whistle blowing case studies highlighted the need for clear policies, a culture of openness and the importance of staff being able to access to confidential support outside the organisation. During the course of the discussion it was emphasised that we whistle blow all the time. However, the term whistle blowing is only formally used when something goes wrong with the process. Important connections were made to wider themes such as the need for staff training in communication techniques, abuse indicators and the importance of understanding the connection between elder abuse and domestic violence. This theme implicitly refers to the underlying problem of how we as a society undervalue and under estimate the level of skill required by care staff to under take their role and ensure the safety and well being of the older person.

 

During the afternoon, participants were invited to participate in workshops of their choice with an aim to explore some of these issues in greater depth.  The workshops also focused on connecting themes such as Advocacy and the legislative framework that we currently operate within.

 

The seminar had a limited number of places and we endeavoured to get representation from a variety of interested parties. However, we are also aware that there a number of people who are passionate about this issue and therefore we would like to invite people to comment upon the issues raised and email us or write in to enable us to include your views.  If you have questions or comments about the issues of human rights and whistle-blowing in relation to elder abuse then please send an email to elderabuse@accymru.org.uk

 

A provisional copy of the report will be posted on to the website on 15^th June (World Elder Abuse Awareness Day). Copies will also be circulated through Area Adult Protection Committees, Black and Minority Ethnic Networks (BME), Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Networks, the Participation and Involvement Networks and Age Concern’s Information and Advice and Advocacy Networks.

 

Age Concern Cymru’s Elder Abuse Project would like to take this opportunity to thank the panellists, the delegates and everyone who has been involved in supporting us in our work.       

 

If you are concerned about Elder Abuse and would like more information please visit our Elder Abuse information page