Recently the V-word has been this damned virus. As the pandemic slows and the UK consumerists are able to once again indulge themselves in their Olympic passion of shopping!
I fear soon this new normal will leave our elderly abandoned & Vulnerable once again. Forgotten by society as it struggles to cope with post-pandemic reality. I am not alone, many carers and elderly people share my concerns and feel pessimistic about their futures.
V is for Volunteers. They emerged in droves. People suddenly realising they could help others – funny how it takes a global crisis for this to happen – helped in some very huge part by the government furlough scheme. Get paid to stay away from work and help others. Something, of a win-win.
Local authorities were cash-strapped before Covid-19 and moving forwards, I don’t think it takes a genius to know the purse strings will be tighter than ever. Local services slashed to the core, won’t be regenerated any time soon.
Life-saving and life-changing rehabilitation centres closed in shortsighted cost-cutting preventing people from regaining independence. The struggle between the health and social care sector will continue despite empty promises from ivory towers. Ventriloquists – mouths speaking empty words.
Our heralded care workers will soon be forgotten as fast as the clapping and pan banging stopped. Rates of pay won’t increase as care homes are forced to close due to the loss of multiple residents through Covid. This will only increase demand on those still trading in the care conveyor-belt.
Loneliness and isolation have been the topic of many media reports with lockdown heightening this. However, once the world finally returns to its fast pace will anyone think of those millions who are lonely and isolated all the time?
Unpaid carers still feel isolated and abandoned to the system by society and the Government. This virus has descended upon us and we have all coped as best we can. A Vaccine is hopefully on the horizon meaning lives can be protected and saved moving forwards.
Will we become a kinder world, thinking of others and not only ourselves, I think not. I think self-preservation; mass unemployment and struggles will make people selfish again.
I sound angry and bitter and I suppose I am to a point. The care sector was broken before this crisis – now the future looks gloomier than ever. With us all living longer, more care is needed when less will be available. We will need those Volunteers again, more than ever-Care Vigilantes.
Will anything ever improve when it comes to the care provisions in Britain?
Sir (Major) Tom, Rosie, and Jim. V is for Victory
All lives matter regardless of colour, creed, or AGE.
