(21 June 2023)
Responding to reports on RTÉ about the findings of the review of the National Independent Review Panel (NIRP) into allegations of abuse at a HSE run Nursing Home Age Action said ‘the reported findings that women who disclosed allegations of abuse and assault were not believed and therefore the appropriate actions were not triggered should be a watershed moment in how older people are treated in our society, particularly in a health care setting.
We pay tribute to the bravery of ‘Emily’ whose case brought the safeguarding failings to light. Age Action understands that older people and their families learning of the NIRP report will be worried if they or their loved one is safe in their care setting. There is a risk of abuse in any situation where one or more adults is dependent, or made dependent on another and currently there are gaps in legislation and practice to protect people. Age Action supports calls from Safeguarding Ireland for the urgent introduction of Adult Safeguarding Legislation and joins Care Champions in the call for a rights based inquiry into the COVID-19 response measures in nursing homes so that we can fully understand and learn from the lived experience of people living and working in them.
Age Action is also calling for greater recognition of how ageist attitudes contribute to how people are treated; a cultural change is needed to ensure that a rights based approach to health and social care is delivered, monitored and remedied.
ENDS
