If only they listened.

If any group of workers is likely to have contact with disabled people regularly its probably healthcare workers so why do so many of them lack basic disability and mental health  awareness?

Today I had a routine over 50s mammogram. Its unpleasant anyway but but my experience had added extras, my carer being refused entry to the room when I needed assistance, them trying to dismantle my chair, when I said no, and when I said hospitals sometimes trigger my PTSD telling me not to be scared. My carer was allowed in after they realised my chair wouldn't come apart, to assist me to transfer, only for us to be told how we should do it, we just carried on regardless. She also supported me when they ignored the fact my sitting balance isn't that good when I told them this.

A few days ago an OT thought it was a good idea if someone accompanied me to a wheelchair assessment to help me choose a chair. This was after she agreed what my needs were and said I obviously knew what I needed.

A few months ago a nurse at a different surgery in the group I go to asked to speak to my carers after I said that going to the surgery increased my anxiety. I said I was alone, she said no you can't be, people like you have to be made to come.

I've had some fantastic care some staff always go tbe extra mile when needed but the less good staff detract from the good experiences. Disabled people or anyone with additional needs are people and deserve the best quaulity of care as does  anyone else. I only ask that they listen and work with us, we are the experts on our own situation.

Care homes not the only option

We have an aging population and because people live longer more people will need care for longer. So the answer is thousands more care home beds then, not only for the elderly, but for disabled people needing care, easy problem sorted

No, over use of care homes institionalises people, may mean they lose independance quicker, their health may suffer, and they become isolated from their communities.

What do we need? First lets not forget they are people with rights and choices. Most people if they could, would stay at home but to do that we need a responsive care service to support people at home with enough flexibility to support lifestyles of choice, rather than the fed and watered, essentials only approach many care packages are reduced to. Its not acceptable that people have to choose between eating or using the toilet, or that people don't don't ask for help for fear of being forced into homes. This fear culture of care needs to change because far from supporting people it puts them at risk.

If someone needs or chooses to go into a supported setting, it doesn't have to be a traditional care home. Group homes where less care may be available but the companionship and peer support are big advantages. Extra care living, still your own home with care on tap. If residential provision is the only option then support should be available to ensure individual don't lose the right to their own lives.

At all stages the person needing care should be in control, and if they choose should be supported to continue with their normal life. If none of the stock option suit them then a bespoke solution should be found, PAs supporting people in residential settings, 24 hour care at home, bight centres, like day centres, but where someone can sleep if they need support should be set up, the possibilities are endless. Instead of fitting people to provision, make the services that suit each person.

Being old or disabled should not mean the end of life as it was, but the same life made better because support is available in the way chosen by the individual.  Needing care doesn't mean people that stop being people, and it is never appropriate to treat them as less than the individual they are.

Nobody cares if it costs too much

A pensioner is distressed because his care costs too much. His daughter claims he is being asked to pay £30 towards carers that he can't afford. He is so upset he plans to refuse in the hope he goes to prison so will be properly looked after.

Most people receiving social care are expected to pay towards it, but the charge must take into account income and outgoings and the income left  after certain expenditure must not be below a certain level.  Not having capital or money for a funeral is not usually a consideration. Each local authority sets their own rules within a national framework. If this is as stated and he can't afford to live, he should get advice and challenge it.

The mark of a civilised society is how they treat their weakest members, this  makes me ashamed of our country. The Conservatives have done nothing to support those in need instead they attack those who should be protected.