We must not abandon the old and sick

FRANK and Mary Springett have been married for 67 years. Their family say the pair are devoted to each other.

But Frank is 91, Mary is 86 – and time is catching up with them. They both suffer from serious health problems.

Mary is in the grip of Alzheimer’s – she can barely hold a conversation.

Frank walks with a frame, and his hands are crippled with arthritis. But he refused to give up caring for his beloved wife.

The pair were living in their own home until March this year when Mary’s illness finally became too much.

The couple moved into a care home. But the cash is running out and now this couple, who have been together for almost 70 years, face the prospect of being apart for the first time.

Frank’s daughter says it will kill him. And for Mary, the comfort of the familiar is everything now.

Their local council says it’s working to find a solution. It must. But it’s important to recognise that this situation is being driven by the Government’s destruction of the social care sector.

Council budgets have been cut to incredible levels.

Soon they will be able to do nothing more than keep the lights on. Any attempt at social care – for the young or old – will have to be abandoned.

It’s a lack of compassion and understanding that has left Frank and Mary in this state.

People are being treated with a lack of dignity and respect.

The Government must realise that these are people’s lives.

And they should find a way to let Frank and Mary – and other couples like them – enjoy the rest of their lives in peace and security. Together.