Older people and care home residents could benefit from using
the Human Rights Act 1998 but so far they have been missing out,
according to research.
The study, by think-tank the Institute for Public Policy
Research, says that the voluntary sector can have a "crucial role"
in changing this by helping the most vulnerable people claim their
human rights while avoiding the courts.
The act includes a right to a private and family life and
forbids degrading treatment, which the IPPR study says could be
used to drive up standards in care homes, improve housing
conditions and improve the poor services often experienced by
disabled people.