Ballerina ruling threatens care of the elderly

Link to original article: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/ballerina-ruling-threatens-care-of-the-elderly-2308195.html

Elaine McDonald, a former ballerina, argued in court that she should be provided a night-time carer. She fears of leading a life without dignity, should she not get night-time care.

In court, only one of the five judges (Lady Hale) ruled in favour of Ms McDonald. Lady Hale says she is very much troubled by the Supreme Court's decision, which could mean the elderly will end up safe and sound, but without dignified lives.

Lord Brown, one of the four other judges, said Lady Hale is an expert on the matter of social care. However, he added he was surprised about her reaction to the court's decision.

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Reading the article, the first thing I noticed were a few spelling mistakes (nothing big really). This seems a bit unprofessional to me.

I am a bit confused about what to think about this article. There is plenty to say for more health care, especially for the elderly, who often find themselves in more isolated homes.

However, on the other hand (and this might sound a bit cruel), do we want to invest more money in the elderly when we can also spend that money on things like education? Fact is there is less money then we wish to spend. Choices have to be made and it is very difficult satisfying everyone's needs and wishes.

Having said that, I wish to state that care for the elderly is of vital importance. Especially from a moralistic point of view. Care for the elderly is a reward for there hard work in their past. Perhaps we need to make volunteer work mandatory (how silly that may seem).