Can't Keep An Old Dog Down!

[zebo]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-27735086

Love this story, bless him. I hope he had a wonderful time and well done for sticking a metaphorical two fingers up to those who said he couldn't go!

[mikey4444]

Wonderful story ! Well done that man !

[pixie373]

That is much more likely, B00.

[mikey4444]

I wonder what the headlines would have been if this chap was found dead in France ? Would the nursing home then be blamed for letting him slope off, instead of being blamed for not letting him go on previous trips ?

[ChillDoubt]

I wonder what the headlines would have been if this chap was found dead in France ? Would the nursing home then be blamed for letting him slope off, instead of being blamed for not letting him go on previous trips ?
------------------------
I wonder that too. According to Sky he supposedly went to Normandy via bus with another veteran and they are still attempting to make contact with him.
However this pans out I'll console myself with the thought that he will no doubt be happy with his lot at this present time, safe in the knowledge that whatever befalls him will be a picnic in comparison to what he saw this day 70 years ago.
His comrades will ensure he's in safe hands, of that I'm confident.

[DrFilth]

> safe in the knowledge that whatever befalls him will be a picnic in comparison to what he saw this day 70 years ago. <

how very true

[pixie373]

No- the nursing home won't be blamed, as they are not allowed to keep him in. They have a responsibility to ring Social Services and/or the police if a vulnerable person leaves and they are concerned about their welfare. Just being 89, doesn't necessarily make someone vulnerable- although the fact he needs nursing care, suggests this man is not completely well.
This may sound harsh, i don't mean it to, but at 89, quality of life is most important and from his point of view, a one-way trip may still have been worth it to him, if he felt it important.

[Graham-W]

Half way down the BBC report is a quote from a spokesman from the home.

"He said: "Mr Jordan has full capacity, which means that he can come and go from the home as he pleases, which he does on most days.
At no stage was he banned from going to the commemorations.
Staff had in fact tried to get Mr Jordan on to an accredited tour with the Royal British Legion, he added, but it had not been possible because of the last-minute nature of the request.

Mr Curtis said: "Mr Jordan was reported missing to the police yesterday evening as a matter of caution because he did not return from his normal trip to town.""

[Mamyalynne]

I get the feeling that if someone had told him this was the last thing he'd ever do, he would have gone proudly.


I don't blame the Nursing Home if they did advise him not to, they have to cover themselves.

[ChillDoubt]

I'll wager(and sincerely hope) the old boy is having the time of what remains of his life, mixed with a little poignancy.

[pixie373]

I really hope you're right, chilli :-)

[ChillDoubt]

Apparently this was posted by Brighton & Hove Police some time earlier:

This morning, Chief Superintendent Nev Kemp, police commander for the City of Brighton & Hove, tweeted: 'Love this: 89yr old veteran reported missing by care home who said he can’t go to Normandy for #DDay70 remembrance. We’ve found him there!'

He'll get back alright, no doubt!

[DaisyNonna]

So pleased he is keeping the flag flying.

[mikey4444]

Pixie, and others...I am glad that he went as well, but I can guarantee that if he had tripped and fell, or had some other accident that proved fatal, the headlines would have been full of accusations of neglect.

[DaisyNonna]

Obviously easier to walk out of an Open Prison than to go where you want from a Nursing Home.

[pixie373]

No, i don't think so. He left of his own accord, by himself. The home could not have stopped him.

[mikey4444]

Can't argue with you there daisy !

[pixie373]

It isn't true. People are free to come and go as much as they like, whenever they like. Deprivation of Liberty is a very big deal and only used in exceptional circumstances. You are only allowed to stop someone's movement if they have been arrested or sectioned. If the person is clearly at risk, a member of staff will hopefully accompany them- or Social Services/police are informed.

[tonyav]

Well done, Bernard.

[Peter Pedant]

I wonder what Matron will say when he gets back ....

[Mamyalynne]

If I were Matron, I'd wink, say 'Well done!' and pour him a Scotch.