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Older people are dying from abuse and neglect while the government fails to invest in services to protect them, delegates were told.

Opening a debate on elder abuse, social worker Jacqueline Bell from Mid Lothian said 7 to 10 per cent of older people fell victim to abusive relatives or carers. Yet training for staff was inadequate, and advocacy and support services for carers limited.

"We owe it to these vulnerable citizens to make improvements," Bell said.

The conference backed a motion calling for a legal right to respite services, staff access to training and greater powers for local authorities to protect older people.


Paul Burstow, the party's spokesperson on older people, said too many were "living with and dying from" elder abuse, which was going unseen and unheard.

Calling for more investment in inspection services, Burstow said: "In 1983, an inspector had responsibility for eight care homes. By 2002 this had risen to 27. No wonder we are still discussing elder abuse."

Delegates also called for greater protection for care staff who reported abusive practices.