Advocacy for the Human Rights of Older People in the COVID Pandemic and Beyond: a Call to Mental Health Professionals

Abstract

This commentary is a call to health professionals, particularly those working in geriatric psychiatry, to embrace human rights frameworks as standards of accountability and advocacy in relation to older persons with mental disorders or dementia, whether living in their own homes or in residential care. From the perspectives of a geriatric psychiatrist and international human rights scholars, we outline existing and emerging human rights frameworks and the effects of COVID on this background human rights landscape. We conclude with practical and tangible strategies for health care professionals working in geriatric psychiatry to promote the equal enjoyment of human rights of older persons.

Keywords: Human Rights, Elder law, Gerontology, Mental health,

JEL Classification: K36,