Dignity Code for the elderly

The National Pensioner’s Convention (NPC) – Britain’s largest pensioner organisation - has launched a high profile Dignity Code. It sets out minimum standards for the dignified treatment of older people whether in hospital or the community.

The Dignity Code has been widely supported by those in the care sector and across the political spectrum with signatories including care minister Paul Burstow and his opposite number Liz Kendall, along with Dame Jo Williams of the Care Quality Commission, Dr Peter Carter of the RCN and Lord Stewart Sutherland, chair of the Royal Commission on long-term care.

Dot Gibson, NPC general secretary said: ‘The Dignity Code should appear in every setting – including care and residential homes – and should be seen as best practice for those both providing and receiving services. It should be seen as a first step towards raising the standards of care of Britain’s elderly population, wherever they may be. Pensioners should have the right to be treated properly when they are no longer able to look after themselves but too often recently we have seen that this basic expectation has been sadly missing. The Code should eventually be recognised by staff, residents and relatives as the benchmark of what society expect to see in every care home.’

The NPC Dignity Code can be viewed here: http://npcuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/NPC-Dignity-Code.doc