Older People's Commissioner for Wales to review quality of care in Welsh care homes

The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Sarah Rochira, has launched a review into the quality of life and care of older people in care homes across Wales.

The Review will use the voices of older people, their families and those who care for and support them, to find out whether older people living in care homes in Wales have a good quality of life.

Sarah Rochira said: “Since I took up post, I have spoken extensively about the need to ensure that older people living in care homes in Wales are safe, well cared for and have a good quality of life. I have visited many care homes and have seen for myself much good practice across Wales, but I have spoken many times about my concerns that this is not consistent and that we are not getting it right for everyone. We must remember that a person’s home is so much more than bricks and mortar, it is where you should feel and be safe, well cared for and happy.”

The Commissioner and her team will gather evidence from older people living in care homes across Wales, their families and carers, as well as from local authorities, local health boards, care home providers, regulators and inspectors.

The evidence will be used both to highlight the best care in Wales and to make robust recommendations, stating clearly any improvements that must be put in place to ensure that the rights of older people in all care homes in Wales are upheld and they have the best possible quality of life.

Ms Rochira added: “Care home residents, wherever they live in Wales, have a right to a good quality of life and to have their voices heard. My Review will give voice directly back to older people living in care homes and their voices will be at the heart of my recommendations.

“Let us remember that older people are not a group apart, they are our mums, our dads, our families, our friends, those we care for and love. All have a right to the very best of care, but more than that, to the very best of lives.”