Sir, – Michael McDowell writes: “There seems to be a vogue for condemning everyone who doesn’t share your opinion as being morally reprehensible”.
While focusing on the issue of cars, it’s worth noting that this too could be said about many issues in today’s society and has been noticeable for some time. This doesn’t make for the healthy debate that is now more important than ever and devalues our democracy. – Yours, etc,
ALICE LEAHY,
Director of Services,
Alice Leahy Trust,
Dublin 8.
Sir, – On New Year’s Day, the words from Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, broadcast on BBC television, “our care system is broken – it doesn’t have to be”, focused on caring for older people. His words were accompanied by film from a residential care setting, with elderly people looking so contented, being cared for lovingly by warm-hearted staff of many years. His elderly mother being cared for in the comfort of her own home summed up what is possible. The camera captured too the wrinkled faces and hands of lives long lived.
“Caring goes to the heart of what it means to be human,” he said. This is at a time in our own country when we are clearly seeing the result of decisions made far removed from the frontline, we could benefit from reflecting on his words.
At times one could be forgiven for thinking that those in the area of planning for the care of older people may have thrown the baby out with the bath water, based on what we see and hear on a daily basis.
We of course do have some great examples of caring, all requiring caring staff who are valued and adequately remunerated.
We owe it to older people to ensure they can live out their remaining years free from the worry of not being cared for and as a result feeling their lives were worthless.
We can only do something if we are prepared to acknowledge that we can do better, and yes we must.
The pending report from Archbishop Welby and his fellow Bishop of York will hopefully lead to a positive debate and outcome on an issue of great concern to us all, here and in the UK. – Yours, etc,
ALICE LEAHY,
Director of Services,
Alice Leahy Trust,
Dublin 8.
Sir, – Gráinne Conroy poses a very important question, ”Why must we trade personal stories for healthcare?” (Opinion & Analysis, November 8th).
This issue is not just confined to women and healthcare. It is widespread.
Telling one’s story in great detail has increasingly become essential for people who are homeless to access accommodation, even at a very basic level or to link in with other services.
No doubt some details are essential but the very private details of one’s life, very often their only possession, can be too painful to recall at a time when “ticking the box” seems to be so important.
This needs to be an issue all of us need to be acutely aware of. – Yours, etc,
ALICE LEAHY,
Director of Services,
Alice Leahy Trust,
Dublin 8.
Sir, – We made a submission to Dublin City Council in July 2006 for public showers in our city and resubmitted our proposal again in July 2014, to no avail. We have highlighted the need for public showers at every opportunity through the media since then. Our country has changed dramatically in recent years; increasing numbers of people are now sleeping on our streets, added to by people fleeing Ukraine. The increased electricity and gas prices for struggling households clearly highlight the benefits of and need for well-run public shower facilities.
Such a basic need does not grab attention or headlines but would help people in a way that is beyond description. – Yours, etc,
ALICE LEAHY,
Director of Services,
