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08.01.08

New voice for older people

OLDER people in Gower will be given a greater say over the services they use with today’s appointment of a Commissioner for Older People.

Gower Labour AM Edwina Hart has welcomed the appointment of Ruth Marks as the new Commissioner by the Welsh Assembly Government. The Commissioner – believed to be the first of its kind in the world – will protect and strengthen the rights of older people in Wales.

Edwina Hart AM said:

‘’Thanks to a better health service and healthier lifestyles more of us are living longer and healthier lives – but we need action to safeguard the rights of older people. We want to ensure that older people who are struggling to make ends meet or who may be suffering from abuse or neglect are given the voice they need to protect their rights.

‘The Welsh Assembly Government promised to create a role for a Commissioner for Older People in Wales and today’s appointment underlines the commitment to involve older people in making the policies and decisions that affect their daily lives.

‘’The new Commissioner will look at ways of improving the services that the Assembly Government and NHS provide older people and will be a champion for older people across Wales.”

The Welsh Assembly Government has already announced over £76 million to improve home care charges for older people and is seeking the power to make these charges fairer for older people across Wales.’