The Human Rights and Older People Working Group is a group of 7 organisations, and facilitated by The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, that explores a human rights based approach to older people’s issues. The Working Group sought to gain deeper understanding of the domestic legal framework applicable to older people’s rights in terms of housing, health and long term care.
PILA ran a Legal Education Session for representatives of 5 national member organisations of the Working Group. The session was delivered by Teresa Blake SC and kindly sponsored by PILA partner law firm William Fry.
The session gave a detailed overview and breakdown of the legal frameworks in relation to older people’s health and long term care; nursing homes and institutional settings; the protection of vulnerable adults in law; and the long awaited Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Bill. Those in attendance noted that they “really appreciated the level of research prior to the session and the knowledge provided”. One attendee felt that Teresa was a “very clear presenter” who “used very practical examples which really helped to make it lively, interactive and relevant”. With a strong emphasis on policy, the group was able to develop their advocacy across a number of areas.