Developing normative element: Autonomy and independence Emily McCarron Policy Manager Age UK January 2019

Autonomy – over what? Autonomy Where we live What we eat Career Relationships Finance Health and social care Legal affairs

Some existing normative elements The Human Rights Act 2998 The Mental Capacity Act 2005 The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities The Care Act 2014

The reality … Despite these legal instruments, older people in the United Kingdom continue to face extensive discrimination and human rights abuses in their daily lives that not only rob them of their dignity but also their ability to live independently and autonomously.

Are the existing legal frameworks unfit for purpose? No! However … They do not address the particular issues relating to older people and ageism They are undermined by poor implementation and funding

Autonomy and independence Affirmation Older persons have the right to independence, personal autonomy and control over all aspects of their lives, including the ability to make decisions for themselves. This includes the right to enjoy legal capacity on an equal basis with others. Scope of the right This right shall apply to autonomy, self-determination and control over all aspects of decision-making for older persons.

Autonomy and independence: state obligations  States Parties shall: Take appropriate measures to provide older persons with access to the support and services they may require in exercising their right to autonomy and independence and to maximise their participation in any decision-making process. Take appropriate measures to ensure that older persons will have the necessary care and support to enable them to live independently and in an environment of their choosing. This support should be of a standard that allows persons to have choice of and equal access to live in the home, community or residential setting. Take appropriate measures to ensure that older persons will have the necessary care, personal assistance and support to enable them to have control and autonomy over the tasks and activities that make up their daily lives as well as access to community services and facilities that enable them to participate in community and public life.  

Autonomy and independence: state obligations  States Parties shall: Ensure that all measures that relate to the exercise of legal capacity provide for appropriate and effective safeguards to prevent abuse in accordance with international human rights law. Such safeguards shall ensure that measures relating to the exercise of legal capacity respect the rights, will and preferences of the person, are free of conflict of interest and undue influence, are proportional and tailored to the person’s circumstances, apply for the shortest time possible and are subject to regular review by a competent, independent and impartial authority or judicial body. The safeguards shall be proportional to the degree to which such measures affect the person’s rights and interests. Take appropriate measures to ensure that older persons are not deprived of their liberty unlawfully or arbitrarily, and that any deprivation of liberty is in conformity with the law.