Older people in Wales 'failed' by public services

Many of Wales' older people are being ‘failed’ by the very services that should be there to help them, according to the Older People’s Commissioner.

Sarah Rochira says improvements must be made to ensure the needs of Wales’ older people are better met.

Today she is publishing the Commission's work programme, which lays out information that will have a direct impact on public service providers in Wales.

Ms Rochira added that if necessary she will use the legal powers available to her to ensure that the guidance she lays down is complied with.

The Commissioner has been travelling across Wales meeting with some of Wales' 710,000 older people since she took up the post in June.

She said many older people reported not receiving essential information, support and care, as well as feeling ‘invisible and ‘not listened to’.

Ms Rochira praised the many ‘outstanding’ public service workers in Wales, but criticised the 'postcode lottery' that she says results in ‘growing variations’ in the levels of services and support provided.

The Welsh Government said thousands of people are cared for effectively by public services every day - but added they are ‘not complacent’ about the future.

Responding to the Older People's Commissioner, the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) says the quality of public services in Wales has been improving year-on-year.