The annual Gwynedd Older People’s Conference has been hailed as a great success as more than 80 people from all over the county gathered at Porthmadog.
The main theme of the conference was dignity in care. It was a chance for older people to discuss their concerns and aspirations and to hear about the work that’s already being done to ensure that older people are treated with respect and dignity.
Ruth Marks, the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, was the keynote speaker at the conference. She said: “I was very pleased to be back in Gwynedd for the Older People’s Conference in Porthmadog.
“There is a lot of good work being carried out involving older people and the issues affecting them. It was positive to hear that there is a clear focus on dignity in care and how the local Dignity Charter is being used in residential and home care.
“It is vital to engage with older people regarding all services and issues affecting their lives. This event is an example of how best to engage with older people in their communities and to gather their opinions and experiences on the services provided.”
Delegates also had the chance to share with the commissioner their experiences and concerns during a question and answers session.
Another conference highlight was the launch of a report on the findings of the recent Dignity in Local Care Charter, which found that the principles of Dignity in Care were an integral part of the services provided by each Gwynedd care home visited. It was reported that good practice was to be seen in care services across Gwynedd in terms of treating people with dignity and respect.
These findings follows a process of asking service users and various authorities about services for older people. Detailed research was carried out on how services could be improved for the benefit of users and their carers and families.
Other highlights of the day included:
- Gwerfyl Wyn Roberts, Senior Lecturer at Bangor University discussed the importance of the Welsh language in care.
- Dr Christine Dobbs discussed care at the end of life.
- The findings of a Gwynedd-wide survey on what people feel about respect and dignity for older people.
- A short drama demonstrating how services can fail to demonstrated dignity in care – which was very well received.
Delegates also had the chance speak to representatives from a number of organisations and charities during an information open session.
Councillor John Wyn Williams, Gwynedd Council’s Older People’s Champion, said: “The Ganolfan was a hive of activity and we were delighted to see so many people coming to discuss services for older people.
“Some people may not know what they are entitled to or may not know about the organisations which work on their behalf, so it was an ideal opportunity to find out about events, activities and services on offer for older people which can promote independence for older people.”
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