War hero has earned his freedom

Juan Mourep

Juan Mourep

Vital 1st Team Regular
http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/559072/Robbie-Clark-forced-care-home-Labour-council-cash-scandal

ONE of Britain’s oldest surviving prisoners of war faces being forced into a care home against his will after a Labour council refused to pay for his home help.

Robbie Clark, 96, has spent more than £50,000 of his life savings to pay for 24-hour care at his home in Burnt Oak, north London.

Now the veteran, who was one of the British soldiers who survived Hitler’s 1,000-mile death march across Europe in 1945, only has enough money to last another three months.

His family said he may have to sell his home and they fear being in a care home would kill him.

Mr Clark, a father of two with four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, said: “I have been in my own place all my life.

“I have got everything here.

"My family are near and my friends are near.

"I am nice and comfortable here and I’d not get that in a care home.

“If I lived in a care home I would lose a lot of my freedom.


Hang your heads in shame Brent Council.

 
I love how emotionally that story is written. Is he a war hero for just being in the war? Perhaps he was conscripted? He got captured by ze Germans which doesn't sound very heroic.

Brent Council offered him 24 hour care in a home for free. He doesn't want it but can't afford the alternative. I want a BMW X6 but I can't afford it so I drive a Honda instead.

All life is suffering.
 
He's 96 ffs! His family and friends are closeby. After spending over £50,000 of his life savings, surely he deserves to see out the rest of his days in his own familiar surrounds, with family and friends nearby.
 
Pride of Lions - 20/2/2015 14:53

He's 96 ffs! His family and friends are closeby. After spending over £50,000 of his life savings, surely he deserves to see out the rest of his days in his own familiar surrounds, with family and friends nearby.
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For £100k a year when there is a perfectly acceptable alternative available at a minimal cost?

I'm a huge supporter of the welfare state. I believe that in "rich" countries everyone should be entitled to a minimum standard of living which includes housing, food, education and healthcare.

Still, this guy seems to be demanding a luxury which he can't afford, just like my BMW X6.

Obviously, we don't agree. I'm not trying to prove that I'm right since this is completely subjective but I guess I just don't understand your opinion. Is it just because he's old?
 
I agree in a sense with what BodyButter is saying - because he old and fought in the war, does it justify "special favours"? What about all the other old people - do they get the same 5 star treatment as the war hero?

The welfare state is offering a service, of which should be offered to all old people who are short on funds for care. We cant be having special favours that are selective, it wouldn't be fair.
 
Sadly the council can't afford these things, their budgets have been slashed.

Plenty of rich folks out there who could do this as a lovely act of charity and it is sad to read this, but it is just as sad for all the old folks who go through this awful wrench as well.

The one upside is you have to have survived life to get to that stage, plenty don't make it to those great ages.

Be interesting to know the cost of a care home compared to home help.
 
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