Forum Topic

Alone at over ninety

http://news.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=1468842004Although it is said that old age pensioners prefer to live outside sheltered housing, who actually said this is still unknown to many people, including myself. Could someone please let me know if a poll was taken to decide this or could this be another money saving scheme by the present Government, more important, is this being wished upon the whole of the U.K.?I hope that the person or persons that committed this crime is caught and punished severely as an example to any others that might think they can get away doing the same.

Angus James ● 7423d4 Comments

It is my understanding that it isn't too difficult to get into sheltered housing in Hounslow, all I know is that nearly every elderly person I have come across including my own parents and parents-in-law did not want to even know about sheltered housing, this may be because of what they imagine rather than the facts, most sheltered units I've seen are excellent. Of course when you have good neighbours and family not too distant that makes a world of difference to living in your own home, the biggest problem for the elderly is isolation, the social side of life and its contribution to anyone's general health and well-being cannot be overlooked, perhaps more day facilities are the answer? Again there are those who would never countenance going to one of them, but they are a lifeline for so many.

Vanessa Smith ● 7422d

The assertion that older people prefer to live at home rather than in sheltered accommodation or in facilities which provide care is mischievous.[If it was the present Government that took this decision the council should be ashamed of themselves for not speaking up for the people whom elected them. Somehow I find it hard to believe that it would have been a 100% victory even for the ruling party? What exactly is meant by this rather sweeping statement which we so often hear from the apologists for the closures.?  All older people?  Some older people?  A majority of older people, as determined from the results of a YouGov poll?I don't understand YouGov Poll?....But I do get your point.Even if it were the case that a majority of older peoplewished, and were able, to live at home, would this be a valid excuse for failing to provide for those who didn't?[As it is our own cash in the form of taxes direct or indirect, there must be a way to let the people who make these decisions accountable for their actions besides though the ballot box. As it takes so long for general elections and council elections to come around, the damage is done and after a period of four or five years can not be easily undone.]  Should we abolish wheelchairs, artificial limbs or cancer treatment because the majority of people will never use them?[This is a very valid point in my opinion. but does the budget for artificial limbs ect. etc come from the local councils or from the millions and millions of pounds allocated by central Government. Once again I ask because I don't know.][However I do know that the grounds are owned and run by the local councils except where outside interests manage to get a finger nail grip on some of it due to crazy clauses in contracts and other mistakes of that nature.  It reminds me of British Gas which has been taken over by a foreign country.  It is now almost impossible for the ordinary man in the street to know which of the companies are truly British.John Aird House was closed because somebody somewhere decided, on the basis of undisclosed evidence, that its residents would prefer not to live there.  It is reasonable to be suspicious of conclusions which seem to suit the convenience of those who commission the research.[Unfortunately this happens though out the U.K. when the powers that be want something very badly it is usually preceded by a questionnaire deliberately aimed at the people they wish to curry favour with. And if you care to check out the questionnaire you will ""ALWAYS"" find that the questions are very heavily loaded.]AGA(Angus James Angus)

Angus James ● 7423d

Angus, it has been the policy of Social Services departments for several years now to put support services such as home helps, shoppers etc. into people's houses in order to allow them to live at home.They can also be offered a pendant alarm which can be activated in times of distress ,and councils usually provide an emergency warden service of some description so that people who have fallen or have emergency needs can be helped on a 24 hr basis.Most people prefer to live at home,as sometimes they have neighbours they are friendly with and their friends/family /local pub etc are nearby. You are right that the emphasis is not on choice.It is on assessed need,like all public housing provision.I'm sure there is a big emphasis on economy,but my feeling is that generally it  is a good idea,but for people who are increasingly frail or isolated,that shelterd housing can provide them with a safe home where there are people around,social events etc.whilst still having their own home.

Keith Iddon ● 7423d

The assertion that older people prefer to live at home rather than in sheltered accommodation or in facilities which provide care is mischievous.What exactly is meant by this rather sweeping statement which we so often hear from the apologists for the closures.?  All older people?  Some older people?  A majority of older people, as determined from the results of a YouGov poll?Even if it were the case that a majority of older peoplewished, and were able, to live at home, would this be a valid excuse for failing to provide for those who didn't?Should we abolish wheelchairs, artificial limbs or cancer treatment because the majority of people will never use them?John Aird House was closed because somebody somewhere decided, on the basis of undisclosed evidence, that its residents would prefer not to live there.  It is reasonable to be suspicious of conclusions which seem to suit the convenience of those who commission the research.

Phil Andrews ● 7423d