In the week that Wales’ newly appointed Older People’s Commissioner pronounced her fight against poverty amongst older people, she set about engaging with residents with a visit to erosh member RCT Homes.
Sarah Rochira says she is determined to make a difference for older people across Wales by listening to what they need and providing a voice for them to campaign for their rights.
Ms Rochira, who takes over the position from outgoing Commissioner Ruth Marks, says she will not back down in her fight to achieve the necessary means to help older people.
She said: “I am really clear in my mind that my role as Commissioner is to give a voice and be a campaigner for older people. It is to make sure that older people know that we are here for them and we are protecting the most vulnerable and keeping them safe.
“I do not have a problem for being criticised for setting my expectations too high or people saying that I am forceful because ultimately it’s about the people we care about and I’m not afraid to fight for that.”
Ms Rochira, who says her first area of review will be the way in which we engage and listen to older people, plans to start her role with a tour of Wales where she will visit older people in their homes to find out what changes they would like to see.
On her first day in the role Ms Rochira visited erosh member RCT Homes’ residents at sheltered housing complex Bryn Ivor, Llwynypia.
Bryn Ivor acts as a neighbourhood ‘hub’, serving not only its 16 residents but also many other members of the local community who join social events and trips organised by Bryn Ivor residents.
Television crews followed Ms Rochira to jubilee celebrations at Bryn Ivor, part of a tour Wales during her first week in post to hear the opinions of older people at first hand.
“I’m asking older people about some really straightforward things,” she said. “Tell me what it’s like to grow old, tell me about the issues that matter to you and tell me what I can, and should, be doing on your behalf.”
76-year-old Bryn Ivor resident Gloria Meredith, who has lived at the complex for more than five years, was impressed with the Commissioner’s approach. “It’s nice to have somebody who will take an interest in us and what we would like,” said Gloria.
Shirley Davies, RCT Homes’ homes and neighbourhoods director added: “We have an ageing population with lots of different needs. I think, as a society, we have a duty to listen to them.”
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