As widely reported in national newspapers, at least two elderly people die every week either in Care Homes or in Hospitals, unbelievably due to hunger or dehydration, while we are obsessed with our ever bulging, wasteful “Overseas Aid Budget”.
Does it make sense? Why, Oh Why for our masquerading politicians, charity always begins overseas, our people are last on their priority list when it comes to housing, NHS, elderly care. Could it be that they are living in comfort zone, with subsidised lunches and dinners, as well as bars serving drinks to omnipresent politicians to their hearts’ content? Even in NHS, most politicians receive better treatment than we could expect in private hospitals.
Some 4500 downtrodden people are sleeping rough in London, in a city considered to be one of the most prosperous in the world. Is it true or political propaganda! I do not see widespread prosperity except for super-rich few with bank accounts, investments in “Off-Shore” tax heavens! Many of these rough sleepers may not survive if we get really bitter winter with heavy snow-fall. Such rough sleeping is practically unknown in Scandinavian countries as well as Germany, Switzerland, Austria and many more.
Daily Mail’s “Dignity for Elderly” campaign has highlighted this long overdue neglect. We are indeed fortunate that we have print media who always pick-up misbegotten matters close to our hearts, whether it is wildlife, elderly neglect, pollution, NHS or drink and drug misuse.
As so many of our grand-parents live in “Sheltered Accommodations” and “Care Homes” it is our solemn duty to keep an eye, visit them regularly and take up neglect at first sign with the authority without hesitation.
Kumudini Valambia
By email
