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Cost-cutting that causes misery to the frail and vulnerable
• SOON after the Camden Liberal Democrat/Tory coalition came in power they began slashing services to frail and vulnerable adults.
The increase in meals on wheels costs has already discouraged a lot of elderly simply because they cannot afford it and the privatisation of meals on wheels means that the private company will generate income by pushing the price up.
Concerning the current consultation to sell a number of old people’s homes in order to build two care homes in the north of the borough, I have three main concerns:
First, if this is indeed the main chance the council has to shape care for older people, I note it is pressing ahead with plans to keep care in the north of the borough.
The relatives and the next of kin of the elderly will have to travel from the far end of Camden to visit their loved ones. This will discourage people from visiting as often as they could, on the ground of distance as well as cost. It will trigger emotional problems to both the elderly and the relatives.
The consultation also falls short on vulnerable people with mental health needs. It indicated there would be sheltered facilities but without details.
Third, a 2007 consultation showed residents wanted publicly accountable services. Older people of Camden wanted the two homes to be built and run by Camden and not by a profit-making company. The elderly and vulnerable know that privatisation means higher fees and a reduction in resources and staff.
The increased cost of meals on wheels, means-testing of homecare charges and building of two homes at the north of the borough are bound to cause immense suffering to older people. The insensitive cost-cutting exercise of the Lib-Dem/Tory coalition is totally unjustified and it appears that the coalition is not listening to the residents and has aimed to make savings at the misery of the frail and elderly in Camden.
CLLR SYED HOQUE
Labour, Haverstock ward
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