Put Out Elderly First

[lindapalmara]

I'm sure Foreign Aid has been discussed many times but now it is being suggested we raise Councul Tax to pay for elderly care isn't it time to look at the foreign aid to Despots and expensive "Consultants"

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-4027300/DAILY-MAIL-COMMENT-Time-elderly-foreign-despots.html

The Council Tax method has at least two major flaws. First that it will raise more revenue in wealthier areas whereas in poorer areas many people don't pay Council tax and I also don't trust Councils to use use the money sells for that.

[Togo]

Some will only ever see the answer as, more money is required, plant another money tree. The better use of existing funds is anathema to them, the overseas aid budget is a disgrace when we have problems such as this at home. Why do we weaponize dictators and provide schooling and medical care for countries such as India and China, when our own elderly are neglected for "lack of funds". Mehh.

[cassa333]

Sorry, just realised I rambled on for far too long.

[TWR]

Linda, i have read your Post with interest, "Put our Elderly First" I totally agree BUT, If the people that have fought & give their lives for this So called UK get no respect from each & every Gov what chance have they got to get help, No Chance I'm afraid.x

[pixie374]

You were right, though, cassa. I'm not sure it's about family values- work commitments seem to be the most common reason. Togo, relatives' approval isn't needed for someone to move to a care home- only the person themselves (unless they are sectioned).

[Togo]

//they can put elderly people into care against the wishes of family members, and indeed do. Especially if they have assets that can be syphoned off. //

//Togo, relatives' approval isn't needed for someone to move to a care home//

I know Pixie....that is what I said. The elderly can also be "put into care" against the own wishes too, and often are.

[Bigbad]

When I saw this on the news last night, Linda, stopping foreign aid was the first thing that I thought of.

It seems that every time an ‘NHS in crisis’ storey emerges, then it’s the old folk who are cited as being the reason.

I advocate absolutely no money being sent abroad: The millions that have already been sent over the years seem to have made little or no difference. Far better that the money is spent on UK citizens that need it.

As far as families not doing enough, well, maybe some don’t. But having an elderly father myself (92 in a few days), I know from experience that no matter how much you love someone, you may not have what it takes to give them the ‘hands on’ care they need, or maybe live too far away to see them every day, but as long as you do what you can (shopping/finances/spending time with them), then they should be able to expect help from the professionals.

Agree with Togo @10.50:
When Dad was in hospital, I was told by social services that he would probably never go back to his own home, and have to go into care, and despite me saying he would hate it, I was told that ultimately, the decision would be theirs.
Fortunately, they changed their mind, and just insisted that he had carers visit him at home.

Good post by cassa333 @ 10.58

[pixie374]

They can't, Togo. They have to sign it themselves, unless they are sectioned.

[Togo]

//They have to sign it themselves, unless they are sectioned. //

No one can be "sectioned without extensive independent medical assessment.
However a social worker can deem an elderly person to be "at risk" and in need of care home accommodation. Where councils are running their own care homes and not contracting out to the private sector it is not unknown for "patients" with assets to be promptly put into care.

[TWR]

Togo, near 2 years ago Social Services got in contact with me regards my Mum, she was wondering out of her home at silly hours of the morning, they sai THEY WOULD be putting her in a place Nr Rhyl N.Wales, My Niece lives in Anglesey, a brother of mine lives in Conway, I live in Lancs, I said there was no way she was moving to Rhyl until I came dow on the following Monday, this I done & found her a Care Home in Menai Bridge 10mins away from my Niece, they said for her own safety they WOULD MOVE her, my Mother was Diagnosed later with Dementia.

[pixie374]

They do bully, pressure, steamroller, tell you what you should be doing- you do have to stand up for yourselves with Social Services.

[pixie374]

Often, maybe not always.

[TWR]

That Social Worker was adamant my Mother was to move & move that day Pixie, that was until she listened to what I'd said!!!! I maybe a bit uneducated but I put her in her place, qualifications or no Qualifications, she later apologized.

[pixie374]

Good for you- they can be pushy. It's cheaper to bully than - as Togo says- go through the correct processes.

[Togo]

Good for you TWR, I really do know what is happening, but am unable to be too specific as I do not want to be in breach of the trust I am shown by people who are directly involved in the distressing procedures.

[TWR]

Does not work with me I'm afraid.

[pixie374]

I have been directly involved many times, Togo. You don't need to explain x

[Togo]

// a brother of mine lives in Conway,//

Odds are TWR that I will probably know your brother. Conwy is not a big place and I have many friends and acquaintances in the Town going back to the 70s when I lived there and still maintain contact and visit regularly. I am off to Alfredo's next week for a bit of dinner. Right in the Town square.

[dave50]

The argument about how families should take more responsibility looking after elderly relatives is a valid point. However caring for a parent who is in a bad way by a son or daughter which involves intimate care such as feeding, washing and toileting is a role reversal that can be highly embarrassing and undignified for both parties in this situation. I would hate to think any of my kids would have to care for me in such a way, much rather a stranger do it. Something that not many realise and consider.

[Celtigra3]

They should abolish the unelected house of Lords with their £300 a day attendance fee

[mikey4444]

There are lots of ways that our Government could raise enough funds, to make a real difference to the Social Care budget. We could cancel HS2 for instance, and/or do the same to the Trident replacement program.