AGE – The European Older People’s Platform

INTRODUCTION: AGE-Platform, a European Network of 148 older people’s not for profit organizations at national, regional and EU levels, includes both users and service providers (www.age-platform.org). It is concerned with all policies and practices at EU and national levels affecting older people, including those needing long-term care. Human rights and the avoidance of abuse; service adequacy in terms of quality, funding and coverage; adequate support to informal carers, who provide the majority of care, and professionals; and the need to ensure a client centred approach are critical issues for AGE. DESCRIPTION: Currently, AGE is working with 11 partners in a new EU funded Daphne project EUSTaCEA (European Strategy to Combat Elder Abuse against Older Women) that aims to develop a methodology to help all relevant actors (public authorities, providers and users groups) to achieve quality LTC services for the elderly and prevent elder abuse, particularly among older women. The project will develop a European Charter and strategy to stop elder abuse based on work nationally with older people’s organizations and stakeholders (e.g. health professionals, police, informal and formal carers) as well as recommendations on prevention and the treatment of elder abuse, with a final presentation to EU and national policy makers.