WHILE applauding the Help The Aged campaign expressed in the letter last week, urging the end of ageism, I am not convinced writing to Mr Brown requesting ageism is outlawed in the Equality Bill, soon to be introduced, will solve the problem.
What the elderly really need is to be treated fairly.
Governments, councils, primary care trusts, social services and others have become aware that because people are living longer, the number of aged in the community is increasing and the additiona
l cost for their care has become an embarrassment. The result is they are in the process of reneging their responsibility for the care of old people.
This ignores the fact these people, during a working life, have contributed not only to the wealth and wellbeing of this country, and in some instances fought for its defence in the belief they would be cared for in old age.
Alas, this is not always the case and it is for this reason I claim that a fair treatment for those in need is a right they have earned.
Attempts to achieve this can be made locally.
The county council has already planned to cut costs to the detriment of old folk, by engaging private enterprise (which they call partners) to run the homes for old people and Meals On Wheels services. Also, like others, they are using voluntary organisations to provide facilities such as day centres, which once were their responsibility. Needless to say, many services which were once free now have to be purchased.
So what can be done? Why not badger your councillors to vigorously challenge the county council and any other group to ensure fair and proper treatment for the elderly, in particular those in need.
If this problem is not resolved the day could come when a future government will not only decide the latest date life in a womb can be terminated, but at what age the life of an old person can be ended to save the cost of care.
FRANK BRADSELL
Roman Way, Haverhill.
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