By Martin Banks - 16th June 2011
The abuse of older people is a scandal
Liz Lynne
ALDE deputy Liz Lynne has called for an EU-wide code of conduct for those involved in long-term care for elderly.
The British member says this will help stop the "horrific abuse" suffered by old people in some homes.
The issue, she says, was thrust back into the spotlight following recent reports by the BBC on alleged abuse at a home for the elderly in the UK.
Lynne was speaking on Wednesday, designated "elder abuse awareness day".
The MEP, a longstanding campaigner on care issues, said a charter or code of conduct would not need new legislation.
Lynne, deputy chair of parliament's employment and social affairs committee, said: "Recent media reports of problems in the way care homes are run and the UK NHS ombudsman's earlier revelations of widespread abuse in hospitals are just the latest reminder that governments and society generally have to get a grip on the issue.
"The whole area of long term care for older people has been ignored for too long.
"Elderly people, not just in Britain, but across the EU, are suffering from a widespread failure to show them dignity, respect and basic standards of care.
"I have long called for a code of conduct or charter at EU level on long term care. This could have a dramatic effect in raising standards and in encouraging private and public sector care providers to follow best practice."
Lynne, deputy chair of parliament's age intergroup, added, "The abuse of older people is a scandal that must be tackled. Good intentions are not enough."
Speaking at a seminar on the issue of medication for older people, she welcomed the recent launch by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) of its "geriatric medicine strategy".
"One key area we need to tackle to prevent abuse is medication. Problems can take many forms.
"Older people are often given the wrong medication, or be subject to a form of abuse where they are put on strong medication without their knowledge or consent.
"Quite often this is for the benefit of the staff, not for the resident in a care home.
"Frequently medicines are not developed with older people in mind. Older people are often excluded from clinical trials and often there is a lack of specialist geriatric care."
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