Conservative Peer Earl Howe is set to declare the Personal Care at Home Bill, ‘discriminatory and an infringement on the human rights of deafblind older people’.
On Sense's behalf, he has tabled two amendments to the Bill to be debated on Monday 22 February. Additionally Baroness Finlay Of Llandaff, Lord Low Of Dalston (cross bench) and Baroness Morris of Bolton (Conservative) all support the amendment.
Earl Howe’s amendment to the Personal Care at Home Bill will call to widen the definition of those in the highest need and for the term ‘personal’ to be removed from the title, to ensure the needs of deafblind older people are also included.
One in twenty people over the age of 75 is deafblind, needing support communicating and with mobility. With this most are able to remain in their homes.
Richard Brook, CEO Sense says:
“Sense believes the proposed legislation in its current format is discriminatory and untenable. By prioritising personal care needs, the Government discriminates against those who have been assessed as having critical needs which are not personal care needs.
“Sense is deeply concerned that by overlooking deafblind older people’s need for one to one guiding and communications support, the Government is in effect excluding a group of people who are most at risk of having to enter residential accommodation.”
