Firstly I would like to say in an ideal world everyone would have total respect for the elderly and treat them with the kindness and dignity that they deserve. Families would try and take care of their relatives with some support if needed. You will notice in many countries abroad such as China and Japan they do just that, and their elderly family are respected and viewed as wise people to often seek advice from. As the saying goes, with age comes wisdom.
I only wish that this was the case in England. I know that there are some homes who try their best, but more and more we are hearing of cases of neglect of the elderly. If only we could revert back to how care was in the 1980s and I speak from personal practical experience of those days, having worked in a few really good places.In many ways it was a golden age for good sound quality care practice, residents in these kind of homes were quite often treated like an extension of their own families. The residents were far happier having a good say in things and took part in plenty of activities so were getting the mental stimulation they needed too. And anyone who visited would pick up on the positive happy vibes. The few homes around who werent up to sratch (which wasnt many) were pulled into line or shut down basically! There also seemed to be an abundance of the right kind of people working in the homes then; caring, kind and nurturing, and generally it was a far kinder world then.So of course it made for a far happier environment to live in.
Nowadays it is so different it saddens me somewhat as more and more care homes are opening, but quite often they dont seem to have the first idea in whats involved in running one. Due to this the elderly are not considered in the right way at all. Some being shunted about from pillar to post either on geriatric wards or in homes where anyone can see they are not truly happy, therefore their needs are not being met at all as they should be.So emotionally, mentally and physically they can go downhill fast, eventually detioriating altogether. Not only is this a major decision in their lives at this age to go into sucn a place, but its even worse if that decision is taken out of their hands and the voice of the individual isnt being heard! What happens to the ones who have no one to look out for them? It incenses me to say the least! Also people are living a lot longer nowadays than they used to and will therefore be subjected to this inhumane treatment for an extended period of time.
So how would you like to be treated when you are old? Of couse with kindness, fairness patience and respect. Do you think you will get such treatment? Its anybodys guess. Its a bit of a lottery nowadays. If people are placed in a decent home where staff genuinely care and you see evidence of that, then thats fine. And the residents can end their days happily as it should be. However, how many will get a good quality of care and if you cant afford decent private care then you have a dilemma.
In an ideal world people would genuinely care like they used to and not see the elderly as a nuiscance or people whose feelings dont need to be considered, like they don't matter! I think the 80s was generally a more nurturing time and society in general back then cared more. What some of society have lost sight of is the fact that this older generation fought for our freedom and we should have the respect for that alone, never mind the fact that they are human beings and individuals with feelings, opinions and rights that need to be considered far more than they often are. Therefore they have a god given right to decent care conditions that will benefit not only their mental well being but their emotional well being too. Just because someone is getting older doesnt mean their feelings should be dismissed. If I had my way and the relevant authority to do so I would quite happily weedle out the sub standard care homes! They really are a disgrace to the decent ones!!
About the Author - Carmel Birkmyre is a published author and poet based in Lancashire. She is a happily married mother of two and enjoys reading, music and hiking. Her latest book, The Winds of Change - a historical fiction about a young maid-in-service in wartime England - is available from Amazon, and there is also a sequel awaiting publication.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Winds-Change-Carmel-Birkmyre/dp/1844013170/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1331403907&sr=1-1
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