Posted by Squiggles on December 29, 2005, at 13:23:31
In reply to Re: Mabel's death, posted by Declan on December 29, 2005, at 13:13:06
> It's awful, isn't it?
>
> I had a friend die recently at age 84 and there was the same sort of thing. She was saved from the worst only with difficulty.
>
> The most easily recounted thing was when she fell one night smashing her kneecap. After waiting 8 hours in casualty she was told to go home at 2am (at least there was someone to drive her) and come back next morning. So when she had to get up at night it was with great difficult and at risk to herself.
>
> The way our most vulnerable are treated reflects on us all, but it didn't surprise my friend, who always knew that some people count and some people don't. She died a year ago and I miss her.
>
> Declan
I wish I had done more. I'm sorry about your
friend. I think elderly people in particular
are discharged from the hospital too soon; that
happened to Mabel, and the reason for that is
the cut on beds (i think the Liberals are
responsible in our country). I am hoping that
more money will go to *caring* for sick people
rather than high-tech investments. I think
Mabel could have lived much longer if the
government had provided for a higher level
nursing home for her. When it came it was
too little too late. If it were not for the
Salvation Army I don't know where she would have
been. Surely, a government like ours which
boasts of its public health care system, and
high quality of life, should not have to
be shamed by the Salvation Army and Charities for their job in caring for seniors.Squiggles
poster:Squiggles
thread:592900
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/poli/20051121/msgs/593112.html