The cost of growing old

My mother-in-law’s 86-year-old husband recently had a stroke which left him wheelchair-bound. He lost his appetite and became increasing frail.

My mother-in-law (77) did everything in her power to care for him but struggled to cope with the physical aspects of turning him (to avoid bed sores), nappy and bedding changing, bathing, dressing and so forth.

It was at this point we investigated frail-care facilities or in-house care workers.

After numerous calls we soon realised this option was totally beyond our means. Although he’d contributed to a medical aid scheme for most of his life, it didn’t cover any frail-care assistance.

The prices ranged between R16 000 to R30 000 a month for a patient requiring his level of care.

It’s been a huge wake-up call and I can’t help wondering how many elderly folks out there find themselves in the same predicament.

On 2 August 2016 he lost his battle – he closed his eyes, bid farewell and found his own retirement village in the sky. HELP THE FRAIL, EMAIL

SHaving recently returned from overseas, I’m appalled and saddened to know that South African pensioners are paid a mere pittance of R1 500 a month and are expected to survive on this.

This is about a quarter of what pensioners in the UK get a week.

These are the very people who’ve paid their taxes without an option but are now expected to survive on this pathetic allowance while the government continues to spend, steal and live like royalty. I say, shame on you all! My heart goes out to all pensioners of all races. CONCERNED SOUTH AFRICAN, EMAIL

SLast month I was waiting in the supermarket queue to pay for my purchases when the young couple in front of me offered to pay.

I agreed with some trepidation, not knowing how much my goods would come to. My purchases were totalled and the couple paid for them. I was free to go.

I then went to look for them in the car park, to no avail.

High prices are hitting pensioners hard. I’d like them to know how their kind deed helped me to stretch my pension.

I hope they buy YOU and read this letter. So, thanks again and God bless you. May you want for nothing in life. GRATEFUL, WELGELEGEN