Diagnosed at just 58, I fear I’ll lose all I’ve worked for...
CAN you imagine being diagnosed with young-onset dementia at the age of 58? the debilitating mental effects of the disease are well- documented, and the stress of living with it is hard enough for anyone.
But for people with young-onset dementia, you don’t just fear losing your memories. You fear losing your future.
I would know — for five years ago, at just 58, I received my diagnosis.
now, as my condition accelerates, I fear that the future I had once mapped out for myself is a mere pipe dream.
For years, I was encouraged by successive governments to save my money wisely. I didn’t smoke, didn’t drink, and always counted my pennies when they came.
one day, I was told I would even be a homeowner.
And if I had a bit left over, perhaps I could leave it to my daughters.
But now, thanks to the current dementia care system’s insistence that people like me need to spend almost all our
savings on care, I often ask myself: ‘Why did I bother?’
For everything that I worked hard for, including my house, will one day have to pay for care costs; care that’s often inadequate and degrading.
that’s my future... this is my life.
I spent 20 years working as an NHS hospital manager in Yorkshire. But when I’ll need the NHS most, it won’t be there for me.
only a wealthy minority can afford the luxury of well-staffed, well-supported homes. Even if I sold my house, the sum I would get would only keep me in a good, reputable care home for a while.
then what? Will I be carted off to a dusty corner somewhere?
When it comes to people with dementia, the government has made it clear that we are not a priority.
It’s more than happy to cause distress and financial hardship for those caring for loved ones, just to save a few million pounds. Yet the trauma experienced by hard-working families is costing lives.
We have known for decades that our ageing population is constantly increasing. so why have consecutive governments failed to address this social care problem?
If I had been diagnosed with cancer, I would have had an automatic right to free care up until my death.
Why should I be punished financially for having dementia? Why should I have to sell my house to cover care costs, when other conditions are supported? Is dementia really less worthy?
the much- needed green Paper on social care was finally promised back in April, after a two-year delay. Yet our current government has delayed it six times. six!
that review was supposed to bring us hope. But in its place, pain, frustration and financial ruin have run rampant.
this is a disgrace. We should all hang our heads in shame.