DUP 2007 POLICY PAPERS
Delivering for Older People:
The DUP has a strong record of placing the needs of older people at the top of our agenda, and has been at the forefront in protecting senior citizens.
The DUP pioneered the Warm Homes Scheme and introduced free travel on all public transport for those aged 65 and above. We are committed to reducing the threshold for the Free Fares Scheme to sixty years.
The DUP supports legislation to prevent discrimination against older people. The introduction of a Commissioner for Older People and implementation of the Ageing in an Inclusive Society strategy would serve to combat ageism.
Older people should be entitled to enjoy a full and active life in comfort and security. In Northern Ireland approximately 1 in 10 pensioners does not claim all the state benefits they are entitled to. They must be assisted to do so. The DUP will continue to press for a reduction in means testing wherever possible.
We want to eradicate pensioner poverty. Too many pensioners cannot afford everyday necessities like heating, clothes and food.
There are too many avoidable cold weather related deaths in the province. We want to eliminate fuel poverty and ensure everyone has a warm and comfortable home.
Health and social care for older people must improve. Patients must be afforded the best care in the appropriate environment, with independence encouraged. More domiciliary, residential and nursing home places are required, as well as better respite provision. Government do not value sufficiently the important contribution of carers.
The DUP-backed introduction of free nursing care benefited thousands of elderly people in Northern Ireland, but it was only a half-step in the right direction. We want to see free personal care provided as soon as circumstances permit.
The 6.5% of over 65s who have dementia will rise to 11% by 2015. We will continue to promote the needs of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The DUP will continue to press for immediate provision of digital hearing aids for all who would benefit from them.
The DUP has proposed a reduction in rates bills for pensioners living alone. We have campaigned for free television licences for older people. We appreciate the important role of post offices particularly in rural areas.
The DUP is concerned by the increasing number of robberies and attacks against vulnerable older people. We support stiffer sentences to serve as a deterrent. Older people should feel secure within their own homes, free from the fear of crime.
