After an elderly woman was told by a senior citizens' club that she could no longer continue to participate in an activity, her daughter contacted the Office of the Ombudsman. In a mediation process conducted by the Office, a solution was found
The daughter of a senior citizen in her nineties contacted the Office of the Ombudsman with a complaint about the local authority where her mother lives. The daughter explained that her mother participates in classes and activities in the senior citizens' club run by the local authority and derives great enjoyment from them, but recently she was told that she could not continue to participate in the crafts class since she does not perform the activity independently but with the help of a carer.
Due to the sensitivity of the case and its unique circumstances, the complaint was handled by the Office's mediation team. The mediator arranged a meeting at the offices of the local authority with the daughter, the club staff and the Director of the Social Services Department of the local authority.
During the mediation meeting, the daughter described how much her mother enjoys the class and the distress she suffered from not being allowed to participate . The daughter emphasized the importance of providing a customized and sensitive solution for the 90+ age group, who are less independent but require leisure activity to enrich their world and preserve their social and cognitive skills.
During the meeting the parties reached an agreement whereby the mother would return to the class, the carer would accompany her and assist her during the stage of collecting the materials and the class instructor would assist the mother instead of the carer, insofar as required. In addition, the mother would register for another two classes that she wished to join.
At the close of the meeting, all the participants expressed their wishes that the mother continue to benefit from the club activities and enjoy good health.
