[Cherie]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

The problem with saying "their kids should do it!" is that the age gaps simply often don't work out to make that feasible. If 90 year old Betty had her daughter at 20 and now needs looking after... That daughter is also 70 years old, and very likely not in the position to take on that role.

You also have the fact that the number in need of dementia care is increasing year on year whereas the available care is not increasing, and in some areas, decreasing. These people need professional care round the clock... Leaving them with family is simply not feasible. It's a ticking time bomb that is being utterly ignored.

I don't think anyone is advocating that all elderly can be looked after solely by their families as it depends on the level of care required, however there are a number who could be helped by their families not just by their kids but by grandkids as well familial responsibility doesn't just stop at "the kids" , but yeah it is being ignored in favour of more popular causes

[user104658]

Originally Posted by Cherie

I don't think anyone is advocating that all elderly can be looked after solely by their families as it depends on the level of care required, however there are a number who could be helped by their families not just by their kids but by grandkids as well familial responsibility doesn't just stop at "the kids" , but yeah it is being ignored in favour of more popular causes

The government can't push capitalism / individualism / pursuit of personal profit and then still expect there to be a sense of community of familial responsibility somehow at the same time... you get one or the other. How can an adult grandchild be a full time carer for an elderly relative when the government won't accept anything less than full time employment / "every man for themselves" in terms of personal economic wellbeing? Families don't grow up, settle and age within small communities where they can help each other any more. The vast majority find that they HAVE to relocate to find any sort of financial security and this is actively encouraged or, at least, not discouraged. There is absolutely no interest in preserving or protecting communities or family units.