In addition to the scrutiny of Bills and policy documents the Committee also examines other areas where there are concerns about human rights. In this report it looks at how the principles of human rights can be applied to older people in hospitals and care homes to ensure they are treated with greater dignity and respect. It looks first at the current position before covering: the leadership of the Department of Health; the implementation of the Human Rights Act by service providers; health and social care inspectorates and NICE; the role of staff in protecting human rights; and empowering older people. It finds that, although there are examples of excellent care, there are concerns about poor treatment, neglect, abuse, discrimination and ill-considered discharge. There is a significant difference between the "duty to provide" under care standards legislation and the "right to receive" under human rights legislation and the culture needs to change. The Committee recommends legislation and a role for the Commission for Equality and Human Rights. It also recommends measures to strengthen human rights obligations and duties, including better guidance and standards, and bringing private and voluntary care homes into the scope of the Human Rights Act.

This book provides a comprehensive human rights analysis of key areas of law affecting older persons, including legal capacity; elder abuse; accommodation and aged care; healthcare; employment; financial security, retirement, and estate planning; and social and cultural participation. The research identifies individual autonomy and participation in decision-making as fundamental to a human rights-based approach to elder law. The book argues that a paradigm shift must occur away from traditional medical and charity-based understandings of ‘old age’ to instead acknowledge older persons as active holders of enforceable rights. The book argues that a Convention on the Rights of Older Persons is an essential tool in achieving this, but that even without a dedicated treaty there is much to be gained from a human rights-based approach. Significantly, because the issues arising in ‘old age’ are often the culmination of experiences occurring throughout the life course, a human rights-based approach to elder law must begin with a commitment to human rights for people of all ages.

This book focuses on descriptions of the developments in legal frameworks and policies regarding the human rights of older persons. First, it covers the policies adopted and practices developed at the universal system, particularly within the sphere of the United Nations. Second, it includes a side-by-side comparison of the work of regional human rights mechanisms, which have picked up some momentum in the past decade. Through its inclusion of law, policy, and current processes, the widest net possible has been cast to collect a descriptive resource for advocates. Overall, we hope that this book contributes to a better understanding of the current limitations and possibilities that international institutions offer to uphold the human rights of older persons. We expect that this information will allow states and other policy makers to move forward with the international recognition of the human rights of older persons. We know this is only a first effort in compiling and reporting the standards that are being produced by different international institutions. But we have no doubt that many others will follow with their expert analysis of these emerging standards, and that the ongoing discussion will finally crystalize in international human rights binding instruments explicitly recognizing the universal rights of older persons.

This book is the British Medical Association’s statement on the ethics related to care of the elderly, written and reviewed by a panel of renowned medical ethicists. As such it is an authoritative and considered reference, written in an accessible, non jargon so as to be useful for anyone charged with looking after the elderly. The book includes useful case examples so that it can be used by a range of health professionals and carers who need to know the law and ethics of looking after older people. The authors focus on practical issues such as helping older people stick to their treatment regimes, the sort of information they should be given to give valid consent, and their rights to confidentiality, as well as discussion about where they want to end their lives when it comes to that point.

The book examines the health rights of older persons who are more likely potentially to face various disadvantages in terms of healthcare access and affordability, thereby impacting on health outcomes. The point of departure in the analyses is that the health security of older persons is guaranteed only if a country approaches the health of its citizens out of moral obligation, viewing health and well-being as a right rather than an entitlement. Data from five countries in the ASEAN region are analysed with the intent of highlighting the health inequalities and barriers at the societal and individual levels, on the one hand, as well as the gaps at the health and healthcare policy and programmatic levels within each country, on the other. It is also intended that the analyses of the data from the selected countries which represent different stages of development, and thus income levels, provide a useful comparative framework for policymakers in the ASEAN region.

Written by a leading healthcare academic and an accredited international business coach, this book takes a new approach to one of the most crucial issues in healthcare – how to care for patients appreciatively, responsively and compassionately. In the light of the findings of the Francis Report (2013), and at a time when healthcare services are under enormous pressure, there is a clear and urgent need for such a book. Despite the challenges of ill health, the authors demonstrate that the opportunity is there for any healthcare practitioner to draw out what the patient needs and desires, in line with the patient’s own values, purposes and beliefs. This approach seeks to alleviate suffering and allows the patient to be more empowered and motivated to change, discovering choice and possibility in times of adversity. In this way, the practitioner can help the patient increase their own resilience and resourcefulness. At the same time, the practitioner discovers their own ability to self-care and self-manage. Aimed at healthcare students and practitioners at all levels, Appreciative Healthcare Practice will provide a valuable and supportive learning resource for a wide range of individuals involved in caring. Contents include: Introduction Carers’ stories Compassionate and dignified care Professionalism – on becoming a professional Applying appreciative inquiry in practice and education Creativity and care Applying the three-eye model to healthcare Mindful healthcare practice The appreciative care worker and coach

This ground-breaking and highly regarded book explores the central ethical issues arising from the day-to-day care of older patients. This Third Edition incorporates key recent developments including guidance from the General Medical Council and the National Council for Palliative Care on consent and refusal of treatment, The Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the NHS Code of Practice on Confidentiality. The key aim of the book remains to provide a practical guide for health professionals who are involved with doctors in making difficult decisions. Medical students who now study medical ethics and their application in the day-to-day management of patients as part of the undergraduate curriculum will also benefit.

This classic textbook has provided students of medical law and ethics with a framework for exploring this fascinating subject for over 30 years. Providing coverage of all of the topics found on medical law courses, it gives an overview of the inter-relationship between ethical medical practice and the law. Medical law is significantly shaped by the courts, and as such this book provides extensive coverage of recent judicial decisions as well as statutory developments. The new edition continues to evolve to reflect changes in the law and shifting ethical opinions.

Supporting Older Persons on Their Aging Journey provides an emancipatory, holistic, patient-centred, and decolonizing approach to nursing practice for older persons and caregivers, focusing on their unique needs and experiences. Providing a general overview of aging and well-being, this text identifies trends in present nursing practice, discusses the future of an aging population, and seeks to create opportunities for individuals to live well with chronic conditions. With a focus on collaboration and context as the keys to providing quality care that promotes health, well-being, and safety, the chapters discuss prevention strategies for successfully navigating life transitions. The authors encourage learners to creatively and collaboratively consider opportunities to support older people, their families, and caregivers so they may thrive, flourish, maintain their dignity, and fully define their own quality of life as they navigate the challenges of aging and illness. This vital text is essential for nursing programs in universities and colleges within Canada, intended for courses on older persons, aging, or gerontological nursing.

In an era where the population is rapidly ageing, this timely Research Handbook addresses the wide-ranging social and legal issues concerning older people.