No one gives a monkey
Who really cares about our elderly population? No one gives a monkey. The first title I gave this blog post was “Muse”. I was feeling reflective. Then as I wrote, or should say ranted it changed to PLEDGE. Then when I shared my thoughts on social media it changed again! (See footnote)
I fear I am missing my Devon Life column. I had become accustomed to my cathartic monthly opportunity to share my thoughts on social care with anyone who would read my article.
Today nothing at all has improved in social care from when I started CaronCares back in 2012. In fact, the situation is worse than ever. Care is rationed to all but those who can afford to pay. A two-tiered health system has been threatened but a two-tiered social care system is already operational. No one gives a monkey.
Lack of support.
On the radio one morning I heard a wife explain about the lack of support and her sheer exhaustion whilst caring for her husband. He has a rare brain disease. She felt abandoned in her time of need, her own health compromised as a result. I feel sad and angry and just a little scared. Sad because we hold so little respect for our elderly and infirm in England. Had he been a dog or even better a puppy, people would be lining up with love and support. Nothing would be too much trouble. But no, our elderly and infirm are no longer useful to society and hidden in the shadows of shame.No one gives a monkey.
“Topography of Terror”
I have visited the “Topography of Terror” in Berlin where I spent hours reading about the atrocities Hitler inflicted on Jewish and disabled people and senior officials who threatened his autonomy. I was sickened by what I read, but in reality, is England any better? I single out England as the Scots for all the jokes about them being mean – provide free social care.
Care is rationed like cards dealt from a pack, if you are lucky you will receive the King of Hearts, if not, the joker. The increasing lack of social care, however, is no joking matter. Dignity, humanity, kindness and caring – when did it all go so wrong?
Covid compounded the already dire situation along with Brexit telling the myriads of eastern European care workers to effectively bugger off back to where they belong. Taking the jobs of the British people – my armpit – the care sector and NHS are woefully seeking people to plug the staffing gap. No one gives a monkey.
Grabbing a Cactus!
Autumn 2021 Rishi Sunack announced a £6b injection into healthcare services. Akin to running bathwater without the plug in. Without adequate staffing, it’s a waste of time and money. Still no mention of social care in any great sense. They may be lucky enough to grab some NHS crumbs if there are any left in the future. Maybe one Prime Minister might eventually grab the bull by the horns and deal with the immoral lack of funding in the social care sector. I doubt so – it’s like grabbing a cactus. Scary, uncomfortable and no one wants to give it a go! No one gives a monkey.
It’s a joke, but it’s not funny.
It’s a joke now, beyond a joke. More and more I begin to realise that very few people really care about others. No one gives without looking to receive and I feel incredibly saddened at what we have become as a nation. Selfish and self-serving. Only yesterday I spent an hour and a half on my hands and knees in the customer’s garage. I have a day job as a manager for Middletons Mobility. I was trying to replace the batteries in his scooter only to find this didn’t work. I used my own fuel in a week where it has cost me a fortune to travel to work due to exorbitant fuel prices – so I was understandably frustrated.
Pledge. (Back to one of my earlier titles for this rant)
I pledge to be here. I pledge to at the very least to help signpost you towards help and support. I pledge to find you the items and little problem-solvers that might help everyday life for yourself or someone you care for. I pledge to be here to at least reply to your email or text if you have no one to talk to and it all seems too much. I pledge to care when even I feel battered by life and fight every day to survive.
I PLEDGE TO CARE.
Footnote: This was what I added to the link when I shared this on Linkedin and felt I had to use it as my title.
“Really beginning to realise the value of my blog CaronCares. 2022 sees its 10th Birthday. CaronCares contains a multitude of useful ideas to help someone care for an elderly or disabled person.
It needs to!
CaronCares because governments don’t care enough.
