BASW Cymru welcomes the publishing of the ‘Care Home Voices Report’ from the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales

BASW Cymru had petitioned the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales about our deep concerns for the well-being and human rights of older people in care homes, whose voices have been effectively silenced throughout lockdown.

We commend the care, compassion and determination shown by care workers, home care managers and family members of residents, to ensure their loved ones were protected.

We support the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales in her call to Welsh Government to publish an action plan for care homes, which will allow for robust scrutiny of decision making by Welsh Government and public bodies.

BASW Cymru is also pleased to see specific reference to the need for social workers to safely enter care-homes. BASW Cymru has called directly on the Health and Social Services Minister, a number of times, to ensure that social workers who enter care homes are regularly tested, so they don’t inadvertently take Covid-19 into a care settings. Social workers are essential in upholding and protecting the human rights of older people in care homes, especially where residents lack mental capacity, family, or advocacy support.

BASW Cymru will continue to work in partnership with the Older People’s Commissioner and all key stakeholders in upholding the human rights and dignity of older people in Wales.

Allison Hulmes

National Director for Wales

BASW Cymru