So true about the slave act and the hours carers work. As I see it, not that long ago we were surrounded by big institutions into which people who had lost their minds were placed (and they were not all bad, the ones I visited as a student were pretty good). Then we had care in the community and they were placed in staffed half way homes, and they were closed and now, in thousands of homes, we are the unpaid staff containing and appeasing people who have lost their minds. And more dementia units are being built, replacing the big institutions ... No, this perspective doesn't help, but I would so love a chance to raise it politically ... Love Kindred.xx
Having read the entire Scottish Government policies and the local Joint Integration of Health and Social Care Board's minutes and papers. I was most struck by the section on Carers, which classifies them and their needs into 3 categories - 0 to 19 hours per week; 20 to 34 HPW; 35+ HPW. My complaint is that there is a vast difference between 35 HPW and 168 HPW which is the number of hours that a full time, round the clock carer is either hands on caring or on call.
I have written direct to the various bodies involved and spoken directly to 2 members of the board whom I know personally. They have come back to me asking for further information and having understood my point, have promised to raise my concerns at a higher level. It is not much but all accomplished without leaving my house. Something perhaps that we could all do from home to ensure that the voice of those of us who cannot attend consultations and meetings IS heard at the highest, decision making, level.