On the 19th March, the principal speaker at Abbeyfield Cymru’s A.G.M. was Mrs Ruth Marks MBE, the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, an appointment unique in the Western, if not the whole, World. One year into her job, Mrs. Marks has already made a significant impact, as part of Welsh Assembly Government’s Strategy for Older People in Wales.
Her main roles are to raise awareness of the policy implications of an ageing society; to safeguard the interests of older people throughout Wales; to promote positive images of ageing; to demand best practice in service provision for the aged and to challenge age discrimination. One of her greatest challenges is to reach older people whose voices are seldom or never heard, particularly the vulnerable and frail.
After addressing the delegates, Ruth answered a wide range of questions and, in the process, got to know a great deal more about Abbeyfield! She promised to visit some Homes to become even more familiar with the quality and cost of what the movement provides for older people.
Abbeyfield Chairman, Michael Staff and Chief Executive, Paul Allen, both expressed their pleasure at being present to hear the Commissioners’ address and to have the opportunity of raising Abbeyfield’s profile with her.