Age Cymru backs calls for corporate neglect law
Published on 11 September 2013 08:30 AM
Age Cymru has welcomed calls for a law to protect people who live in residential care homes, or are cared for by agencies, from abuse.
We are supporting Age UK, Action on Elder Abuse, Mencap and the Older People's Commissioner for Wales who are today meeting David Cameron.
They will be asking the Prime Minister to introduce a new offence of corporate neglect for care home or care agency owners who tolerate the neglect and abuse of those in their care.
Age Cymru's Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Graeme Francis says:
"Anyone who relies on others to provide their care - as well as their loved ones and friends, needs the certainty of knowing that the care they receive is compassionate and of the highest standard.
"Failings in care can have catastrophic consequences.
"However there is currently no sanction that can be brought against care home or care agency owners whose organisations abuse or neglect the people in their care.
"This is why a new offence of corporate neglect should be introduced to sanction care home or care agency managers who allow a culture of abuse and neglect to continue in their organisations.
"Age Cymru would welcome this new law being introduced as part of the UK Government's new Care Bill, and we feel it also needs to be part of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Bill."