Sage Advocacy received funding through the KA2 - Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices stream of Erasmus+. The project will focus on safeguarding older persons’ legal and human rights through active citizenship, an inter-generational approach, and involves a partnership between Sage Advocacy (Ireland), BAGSO (Germany), Pro Senectute (Austria), and Tulip Foundation (Bulgaria).
On 15th November 2022, Sage Advocacy hosted the first 3-day teaching, training, and learning event from this project. The theme of this event was Human Rights & Older Age – Where Rhetoric meets Reality. The activities sought to ground rhetoric around human rights issues with the experiences and perspectives of older people, professionals, and state bodies.
Patricia Rickard-Clarke, chair of Sage Advocacy and Safeguarding Ireland highlighted the 3 main issues for older people in Ireland: decision-making, deprivation of liberty & finances.
Patsy Fitzsimons is Head of Complaints and Investigations with the Decision Support Service. Patsy's presentation gave an overview of Key Reforms and role of the Decision Support Service in relation to the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015.
Amanda Phelan (RGN, RM, PHN, RNT, BNS, MSc, PhD.) is a Professor of Ageing and Community Nursing in the School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin since March 2020. See Amanda's presentation here.
Katja Savolainen presented A Study into Human rights of Older People in Long term care in Ireland.
The Judiciary – Justice John O’Connor provided an outline of how he approaches cases that have relevance to human rights and safeguarding for Older people giving case examples and approaches. He also referenced the resource implications of fully implementing the Assisted Decision Making Act 2015.
An active discussion followed with Judge O’Connor providing a handout of written judgements for cases of interest to the group.
Catherine's presentation looked at the Role of The Director of Nursing.
Principal Social Worker Kristen's presentation is titled The Challenges and Opportunities to upholding older persons’ legal and human rights when abuse occurs.
Martina gave a presentation on A Solicitor's Perspective - Protection to Promotion. Martina has also provided a paper to supplement her presentation.
This presentation by Martina Duffy looked at Nursing Home Support Scheme, A Retrospective Chart Review; (CSAR).
Michael presented a case study involving historic coercive control and abuse.
Maureen's presentation focused on a case study involving deprivation of liberty.
Helen's presentation highlighted the Function of Information and Support in Sage Advocacy.
Tara Byrne from Age & Opportunity gave a presentation on the Bealtaine Festival; subverting expectations of older age.
Niamh gave an overview of Sage Advocacy's project on Establishing an Observatory for Human Rights in Long Term Care.
Bibiana's presentation looked at Complex Issues & Simple Messages - ‘Postcards from the edge’.
All of the images form the Postcards from the edge campaign can be viewed here.
Mary's presentation looked at Planning Ahead.
Valerie's presentation is titled Think Ahead: Having Courageous Conversations.
Josef's presentation looked at Austrian Experiences and Perspectives.
Ina Voelcker from BAGSO in Germany presented on The human rights of older people: What is BAGSO doing?
See Maria's presentation here.
In this video Michael speaks about the next steps for the project.