Families’ care nightmare must be brought to end

No one can fail to be moved by the anguish felt by Ruthie Henshall. Her 87-year-old mother is dying in a Suffolk care home as her dementia worsens – and this is truly sad.

But what makes it tragic and unforgivable is that the last time Ruthie spoke to her mother was in April, shortly after the first lockdown began.

The West End star has spoken exclusively to the Express about her “guilt and unbearable pain” in the hope that something can be done to make sure others can be spared such heartbreak.

And there is something that can be done. We demand that the Joint Committee on Human Rights fast-tracks emergency legislation to recognise family members as essential carers, guaranteeing them access to their loved ones in care homes.

This should have happened months ago. Imagine lying sick in bed day after day with no prospect of seeing a close relative.

The isolation and loneliness would make many of us lose the will to live – and that is precisely what has happened to thousands of elderly people up and down the country.

These are brave men and women who have suffered in silence and paid the ultimate price. It is nothing short of a disgrace and we call upon the Government to take action now.