not looking after the elderly

A recent visit to a local nursing home, caring for the sick elderly showed the number of foreign workers looking after our senior citizens. I am not attacking people from abroad coming to work in the UK, more our attitude to this working in this sector.

Historically, say before the 1950s, it was expected that some elderly relative would move with a young family for the rest of their life. This family social welfare was part of the duty of the family nucleus. Whether it was because women started to seek paid work or, I believe, it was a class issue, we started to put the old into home. Some people might have preferred their independence, but that could have been maintained in a shared home.

Looking after those who can't care from themselves is respected by the general public, but it is too much work for us. We would rather work in an office or take part employment in a shop. Those of us unemployed wouldn't do what the foreign workers have to endure; especially considering the low wages.