Older people’s issues come under the spotlight at the Senedd

Posted on Tuesday, January 17th, 2012 at 3:28 pm
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“Government policies must respond to ageing population”, say charity chiefs

Good health, access to training and independence for older people were some of the subjects under the spotlight at the Senedd on Wednesday 11 January.

Age Alliance Wales brought together over 60 older people from across Wales to Cardiff Bay to talk to their Assembly Members about the issues that matter to them.

Sarah Rochira, Age Alliance Wales’s Chair and Chief Executive of RNIB Cymru says:

“Age Alliance Wales is a coalition of national organisations that works together, with and for older people across the country.

“With Wales’ ageing population – which is ageing more rapidly than that of the rest of the UK, it is vital that Welsh Government policies reflect and effectively meet the needs of older people. We have much in Wales to be proud of but also much that we urgently need to address.

“Creating opportunities for older people to influence government is an important part of the process

“This is why we organised this event to give older people the chance to tell their Assembly Members about the realities of being an older person in Wales today.”

Chris Jones, Age Alliance member and managing director of Care & Repair Cymru said: “We know from 25 years experience of helping older people repair and adapt their homes that a warm, safe and secure home significantly contributes to a person’s health and wellbeing. Helping older people remain safely in their own home for as long as possible not only helps save money for both the NHS and social care budgets, but it is what older people tell us they want. We hope that hearing directly from older people about what services work and what can be improved, will help AMs when they are developing future policies which will impact on our ageing population.”

Mr and Mrs Jones from Newport attended the event. They both have major physical disabilities and health issues. Newport Care & Repair have worked with this couple since 2007 and have completed major adaptation works under a Disabled Facilities Grant including a level access shower, curved stair lift and ambulant steps to the front access of the property.

Mrs Jones (82) said: “I would like to thanks Newport Care & Repair for their sensitive approach to my practical needs; their friendly and helpful advice has given me renewed confidence – I feel 10 years younger! Games – Olympics – bring them on! Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.”

• work with, and for older people through the co-operative use of the knowledge and expertise contained within the membership of Age Alliance Wales.

For more information on Age Alliance Wales, visit www.agealliancewales.org.uk