Actor, film maker and campaigner for older people’s rights, Amanda Waring has produced a number of short films to highlight issues faced by older people. she has also developed training resources on the care of older people and speaks at conferences and on TV and radio to promote dignity and human rights. Ms Waring tells Ruth Williams why she feels so strongly about poor practice and how she loves being covered in chocolate

When my mum was diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of 71 the treatment she received in one hospital shocked me to the core. Staff there did not communicate with her, did not even make eye contact with her. It was grim and it crushed her spirit. We sprung her from the place and moved her to where staff treated her like a human being. When she died, rather than get angry I decided to take action.