Elderly dignity charter launch by Wrexham care groups

The charter aims to promote a 'zero tolerance' of 'abuse and disrespect' for elderly people in care

A range of social and health groups in Wrexham have launched a charter aimed at providing older people with dignity as they have medical or social care.

The charter aims to promote a zero tolerance "of abuse and disrespect" for older people by staff and volunteers.

Wrexham council is leading the drive, which also includes professional and charity groups.

Wales' public services ombudsman has said a culture of neglect was failing frail and elderly hospital patients.

Peter Tyndall's comments last week came after older people's commissioner Ruth Marks said some care was "shamefully inadequate".

Wrexham council's launch of the Older Peoples Dignity in Care Charter for Wrexham is part of a national campaign to improve the quality of care and highlight the experiences of service users.

Andrew Figiel, the local authority's chief social care officer, said: "This charter is at the heart of what we do.

Society's attitude

"Dignity in care is a fundamental principle in the provision of the services we deliver."

Other groups signed up include Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, the Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham, Age Concern North East Wales and British Red Cross.

Meanwhile, Age Cymru was holding a conference in Wrexham on tackling society's attitude to age and ageing.

Dr Ceri Cryer, the charity's Growing Older in Wales programme manager, said: "The population of Wales is ageing - one-in-four Welsh adults are aged 65 or over, and in 20 years' time one-in-three Welsh adults will be aged 65 or over.

"Clearly we need to adapt to the needs of our ageing population and tackling ageism and age discrimination is an important part of this process."