February 05, 2009
MANY Echo readers will be sickened to learn that a frail pensioner who is disabled, has to be turned over in bed every two hours and cannot feed herself, no longer qualifies for nursing support.
The fact that she has been receiving financial assistance for two years and that her condition has deteriorated seem an irrelevance to health chiefs who, coincidentally, are wrestling with a huge overspend.
The onus for providing 98-year-old Muriel Prescott's care will now fall to her son, placing an impossible financial burden upon him, or social services, resulting in less cash for even more needy individuals.
The families of those affected have described the situation as a scandal and it's difficult to disagree with them.
However, what these terrible cases also highlight is the vital role carers play in our society and the actual value the Government places upon them.
Just look at the facts: Nursing homes are typically paid between £500-£750 per person a week, yet carers receive an allowance of just £50.55.
That's why the Echo is campaigning for a better deal for dedicated people like Bronwyn Nott who save the tax payer millions of pounds each year.
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