The Relatives & Residents Association exists to provide a consumer voice to promote the well-being and represent the interests of older people in residential care settings.

AIMS

• Advice, Support and Information
  We help potential residents, their families and friends to be better informed regarding many aspects of care including:
• Rights
• Entitlements
• National Minimum Standards
• Finding a care home
• Local Authority and NHS obligations towards residents
• Advice on how to deal with care concerns or abuse
• Listening
  Another important aspect of our work is listening to the views and concerns of relatives and residents and providing emotional support.

ACTIVITIES

• Advice Line
  Most advice and support is given via the Advice Line (phone, email or post) which is open to anyone. We take time to listen to each enquiry so that we can give advice, send appropriate information and give whatever support possible over the phone or by email/letter.

• Projects
  We also have various projects running which look at more specific situations of older people in care, for example:
  • The impact of admission to care on spouses
  • Advocacy for people without relatives
  • Access to care needs assessments
    
    
• Policy & Influence
  Influencing policy-makers and those who determine the standards and regulations is another important part of our work. This involves initiating or taking part in campaigns with other organisations such as Age Concern, Help the Aged and Counsel and Care, issuing statements to the press on current issues and lobbying politicians. We also take part in consultations with government bodies such as the Commission for Social Care Inspection and the Department of Health.