Old folk get six weeks to quit home

[Abdul 10]

http://www.sheffieldtoday.net/ViewArticle.aspx?SectionID=58&ArticleID=684814

 

FURIOUS families have criticised bosses at a Sheffield old folks' home for giving just six weeks notice that they were closing down.

 

...

 

Hilda Holberry, aged 94, has lived there for four years.

Her son-in-law Malcolm Speed said six weeks' notice is "scandalous" and believes home owners should have warned relatives sooner.

"Most of these residents are between 90 and 100. Does anyone seriously think these people are going to want to move elsewhere, at just six weeks notice?

"Just two weeks before Christmas. You couldn't realistically sell your home and move in that time.

"This is one of the most cruel events that anyone can imagine.

"My mother-in-law has lived in Nether Edge all her life. She was born there, grew up there, married and raised children there. If she has to move miles away she will be torn away from her roots.

"Is there anyone out there who cares a jot? Twenty- four people losing their home in their twilight years when surely all should be done to help these people, who have given their services to the community and country through world wars.

"These are people who have asked for nothing from the state, who only want what is a basic human right, a quiet and peaceful end of their days."

 

Very emotive words indeed...but if he cares that much, wouldn't he look after his mother-in-law himself?

 

My personal belief is that ones parents have a right to expect care from their children once they reach old age; just as they cared for their children when they were young.

 

As a child is totally dependant on its parents for love and life during its first years, taking good care of our parents when they reach old age should be our way of repaying the love and care they showed us.

 

Am I being old fashioned? Perhaps there's no room in our modern world to care for old folk. For Channel Six news, this is Kent Brockman...reporting...

 

What are other peoples views on this subject?

[riddo7up 10]

What you are suggesting is the main view of Chinese Confuscianism. The Chinese for many millenia revered their ancestors and it would have been unheard of for an elderly matriarch to have been excluded from the immediate family circle.

However when the Communist tok over in 1949 this belief was frowned upon . Pensioners were still well cared for , but they were communally the responsibility of the commune.

When Thatcher started encouraging the establishment of these homes for the elderly most of the new landlords were from the medical profession, and few if any were caring people.

A change of government, and the supposedly Socialist government has just carried along the same path as its Tory predecessors

[Pete1024 10]

I would have looked after my parents/grandparents if I didn't move every year. Change can be very tormenting for the elderly, but it is a fact that jobs can take you far from you family.

[max 13]

I agree Abby, children should have a responsibility to look after their parents. On this issue, there is one thing that enrages me and that's the people who bleat on about their parents having to sell their home to pay for care in later years. What they're really upset about is their inheritance being spent on the people who earned it rather than leaving it them.

 

Fortunately, more and more older people are using the capital tied up in their homes to go out and enjoy themselves. There's one couple I know who objected to their parents taking out a loan on their home to pay for a round the world cruise. 'There'll be nothing left for us', they cried. Selfish w*****s.

[alchresearch 214]

Who are we to judge this guy? His mother is 94, which could make him anything upto his mid 70's. There may be reasons why he cannot look after her.