SIR 

I am currently undertaking a review of the quality of life and care of older people living in residential care in Wales and want to hear from older people, and their friends and loved ones, about their experiences.

During the past year, I have received an increasing amount of correspondence about the quality of life and care of older people living in Residential Care, which has demonstrated that there are still unacceptable variations across Wales and that, too often, care homes are meeting only the 'minimum standards' required by law.

The Review will gather evidence through questionnaires and a series of visits to over 100 care homes, including some in Monmouthshire, where my team will hear directly from older people about their experiences, as well as from those who care for and support them.

The voices of older people and their families will be at the heart of my Review, which will highlight the best of care in Wales, but will also clearly illustrate the devastating impact that poor quality of life has upon older people.

To share your experiences of living in Residential Care, or to share the experience of a friend or loved one, please complete a questionnaire at http://www.olderpeoplewales.com">www.olderpeoplewales.com or call 08442640670 to receive a paper copy.

 

Sarah Rochira

(Older People's Commissioner for Wales)