A “major cultural shift” is needed to tackle the causes of poor and undignified care of older people in care homes and hospitals, a new report says.

It is a major boost to the With Respect campaign by the Telegraph & Argus, aimed at winning more dignity for elderly people, especially those in care.

Today’s report, Delivering Dignity, says the Government should ensure every person receiving care is protected under human rights legislation, rather than only those whose care home place is arranged by their local authority.

It also said the NHS should add a number of “always events” – which should be basic rules for dignified care.

The report has been produced by the Commission on Improving Dignity in Care for Older People, an independent group set up by the NHS Confederation, Age UK and the Local Government Association.

It is said to have received widespread support after a month-long consultation with feedback from more than 230 health and social care organisations and patient groups across the country.

But Peter Raistrick, the chairman of Neighbourly Care Bradford, which offers support to the elderly in the district, said that older people should not need legislation to protect them, rather the respect of their community.

“This report is well overdue, because the trouble is that the elderly get the short end of the stick,” he said.

“In other cultures the elderly are highly respected. They are not respected like that here, which is why they are looking at legislation to protect them.”

The report has been welcomed by the district’s MPs with Gerry Sutcliffe, the Labour MP for Bradford South, saying that protecting individuals’ rights, together with collective responsibility for the good training of those working with the elderly, was needed.

Respect MP for Bradford West George Galloway said: “I have long argued that Government money should be invested to help families look after elderly parents at home.”

David Ward, the Lib Dem MP for Bradford West, said: “Social care is a big issue. It is a good thing that rights are extending to everyone whatever the situation.”

A copy of the final report will be sent to every NHS and care home chief executive in England as part of efforts to promote its recommendations and change the way care is delivered for older people. A joint action plan will follow the report later in the year.