Labour Ministers must move swiftly to implement the recommendations of a report from Wales’ Older People’s Commissioner to improve life for older people in care homes, Welsh Conservatives said today.
Between 2010 and 2035, the number of over 65s in Wales is expected to increase by 55%, equating to an additional 306,000 people.
Earlier this month, the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales warned of a lack of social interaction, failings in meeting the basic needs of some older people and care home residents losing control over important aspects of their lives, such as diet and meal times.
The report recommended improvements to enable older people to live mentally and physically fulfilling lives by recognising individual needs and wishes as well as measures to increase staffing.
The report concluded that a failure to implement the recommendations would fail older people.
Darren Millar AM, Shadow Minister for Older People, said, "Older people who have worked hard for our country, paid their taxes, and in some cases, even fought to keep Britain safe, deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
"Sadly in some Welsh care homes, older people are being treated in a clinical manner instead of as individuals with interests, emotions and needs of their own.
"The Older People’s Commissioner’s report lifts the lid on poor standards of care in some Welsh care homes and Labour Ministers must act swiftly to implement its recommendations.
"Care homes have responsibilities for older people beyond basic physical care needs and should also be providing social, emotional and spiritual care to ensure older people receive the best quality of life.
"Keeping an active body and mind is key to enjoying life and care homes should offer stimulation to prevent residents becoming institutionalised.
"Labour Ministers must clearly set out a timetable for the implementation of the Older People’s Commissioner’s recommendations and work with care home providers to enable older people to continue to play an active role in Welsh society."