New advice to combat elder abuse
CSCI, 23-02-2005

A new leaflet published today will give older people information of their rights to be treated with dignity and respect wherever they are living. 

The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) today also published a new factsheet telling people what they should do if they suspect abuse or mistreatment of older people who receive care at home or in a care home. 

Launched in the run up to Comic Relief's campaign to raise awareness of elder abuse, the CSCI advice is designed to help older people receive the care they are entitled to, and know how to complain if things are not right. 

Chair of the Commission Dame Denise Platt said: 

"People living in care homes have clear rights to be treated with dignity and respect; a right to privacy; to have their religious and cultural beliefs respected; and to live free from abuse in any shape or form. 

"The information we have published today gives people specific advice on the standards of care and treatment they should expect in any care home. 

"We have also published detailed advice on what older people, or their relatives or friends should do to report neglect, mistreatment or abuse. 

"Our message on abuse is very simple. Abusing and neglecting older people is a crime. People can and do go to prison if found guilty of it." 

The CSCI leaflet explains what rights people have, including privacy, control of finances, (maintaining) cultural and spiritual needs, social life and meals. The Commission supports Comic Relief in its efforts to raise awareness of this issue, and is helping Comic Relief and Action on Elder Abuse to respond to any calls that may be received from those concerned about elder abuse. 

Gary Fitzgerald, Chief Executive Action on Elder Abuse, said: 

"We are strongly in support of this CSCI initiative. Our experience is that people are in need of clear advice on what they can expect of care provision and of their rights if things go wrong. This leaflet and factsheet will provide that information in a straightforward manner and is therefore to be welcomed. 

"AEA will be operating the Elder Abuse helpline (080 8808 8141) on the night of the drama broadcast and on Red Nose night, and there will be CSCI representatives working within the helpline team on those nights. We see this an excellent example of CSCI's commitment to these issues and look forward to the obvious benefits that such joint working will bring to abused and vulnerable people.