What measures does the Welsh Government have in place to mitigate the risk of abuse of older people?
The Welsh Government is working with local authorities and other partners to ensure that critical work to safeguard adults at risk, including older people, remains a priority for services during the coronavirus outbreak.
We launched a national social services safeguarding campaign on Monday 6th July. The campaign encourages people to contact their local social services or call 101 if they are concerned that a family member, friend or neighbour is at risk of abuse, neglect or harm. It also emphasises that social services are open as usual and ready to help. The campaign also featured radio advertising on local and community stations in order to reach individuals who are not online.
Additionally the ‘Home shouldn’t be a place of fear’ campaign is a multi-media campaign. It has been shared across TV, radio, national and local news, the Press and online media. It is supported by community networks such as pharmacies, local supermarkets and police forces
Care Inspectorate Wales considers all reported concerns and works closely with local authorities and health boards to share information about the safety and quality of social care services. It is carrying out inspections of regulated services, including in relation to concerns. The inspectorate is also carrying out assurance checks of local authorities, considering how the safety of people with care and support needs is being promoted during the pandemic.
Care providers are required to meet the legal requirements in the Regulated Services (Service Providers and Responsible Individuals) (Wales) Regulations 2017 and its associated statutory guidance. These Regulations place requirements on providers in relation to the standards of care to be provided.