We hear the platitudes from official governments, not least those from No 10, and their assurances of respect and value for our disabled and ageing colleagues. The statistics tell us that in fact these valued and significant members of our community are a growing majority. You and I shall be numbered amongst them any day now.
So why are 40% of disabled people left to fend for themselves?
Why are elderly people encouraged to wear incontinence pads before they actually need to do so when what they really need is a person to assist them to the toilet?
Why are the wards filled with people with urinary infections and complications (including accelerated confusion leading to dementia) because no one visited them at home? No one proactively gave the clinical care to avoid this undignified, distressing and expensive situation.
We are told it’s all about the recession but surely even basic economic common sense shows that it is obviously more expensive to cut back on daily community care and support than it is to take preventative action.
The Dignity Action Day on February 1st 2013 must act as a wake-up call for us all including those in authority of whatever political persuasion. With the right respect and provision of aids for daily living, practical support, time and clinical care, our elderly and disabled neighbours will manage their daily tasks. This will conserve their health and wellbeing and our economic resources. Dignity is the most basic of human rights. It is also economic logic.