Letters to the Editor - No election candidate has mentioned the ‘C’ word

Published: 6 May, 2010

• I AM not voting for anyone in this election because in all the debates, literature put in my letterbox and coverage in the press, not once was the word carer mentioned by any party.
I have been a full-time 24/7 unpaid carer for my mother for six-and-a-half years.
In that time I have relied on help from neighbours plus medical advice from GPs, Camidoc and A&E plus nursing personnel at the Royal Free Hospital where my mother was a patient.
And I have saved the faceless bosses of social service £1million, because that is what it would have cost for private or hospitalised care.
I worked in the NHS for 30 years as a clerk and I am disgusted by the way social services work on the maxim that if you can walk, stand, talk and see, you are able-bodied – even if you have to use walking frames and can only shuffle and you need constant help to prevent you from falling over.
I am not blaming ordinary social workers as my mother is very fortunate to have a very helpful young lady.
It is the government and the faceless bosses and others responsible for social services that I hold fully responsible for anything that may happen to my mother.
I recently had four hours sitting care extra given to me, which means I have every Sunday afternoon off for four hours.
So for that time I can have a social life – dancing etc.
I only got this as a result of threatening to sue, as my health has suffered because of the physical work involved in caring for my mother when she sustained spinal fractures.
This involved lifting, plus caring 24/7, working on the advice given to me by her GP.
I am not medically qualified – my only experience was Civil Defence 50 years ago involving disasters from radiation and bombs. The simplest description would be advanced first aid.
I am 70 years old and believe I am entitled to have some enjoyment in my life.
I would like to thank the organisation providing care for my mother 24 hours a week, which is Crossroads whose carers are very efficient and friendly.
I hope this letter will get action for us carers.
NAME SUPPLIED
South End Green, NW3