Why do they always use photographs of people's hands. I truly hate this photograph which the BBC has given such prominence. And then there's this one, which I do not hate as much, but dislike because its hands again. Perhaps its because hands show wrinkles of age more prominently. It's the same when people who have suffered a terrible personal loss are being interviewed. So often the camera homes in on the hands of two distraught people trying to give each other some support. Personally, I regard it as offensive intrusion.
UPDATE - The photograph which I hated has now disappeared as news moves on. But the general point remains.
4 comments:
Elder abuse is a very big issue and getting bigger by the day. It can happen anywhere - often by the hands of 'loved ones', and can take many insidious forms. The more we are confronted with the issue to raise awareness of elder abuse the better, imho.
The photograph to which you refer may be a generic image but it's because a portrait or a picture that identified an individual could not be used. Similarly I am informed that filming hands during interviews is a standard television "cut away" shot to cover up uncomfortable visual edits and is used by tv journalists around the world - and not just for this particular issue! I do agree though that in our society the elderly are often marginalised and abandoned. We rarely exhibit the same compassion and repsect for the older generation that you find in other cultures and is something that should be addressed. We need to learn not to write off our elderly citizens but respect their life experience and knowledge.
Chemist - This is becoming a dominating issue for me. The more I learn about it, the more alarmed I become.
John - I'm sure you are correct about this. But I don't have to like it. I wonder why it is that an elderly person should not be recognisable - assuming they are content to be of course. The second half of your comment is a very big issue indeed. The obsession we seem to have with youth in Britain has imbalanced our society. Wisdom derived from experience can be just as valuable as energy derived from youth
slightly off topic but fairly relevant
Deputy Minister initiates debate on the future of paying for care in Wales
Monday, 16 November 2009
Deputy Minister for Social Services, Gwenda Thomas today (16 November) launched the Green Paper on 'Paying for Care in Wales'. The Green Paper sets out proposals for reforming the current system of paying for care and support for disabled and older people who need it.
At the launch Gwenda Thomas said:"It is widely acknowledged that the current system of paying for care is complicated, unfair, and unsustainable in the long term. That is why, last year, I initiated a national debate in Wales about how we should pay for care and support in the future. That consultation asked important questions of principle. This Green Paper takes that debate a stage further, and sets out specific options for reform.
The main options for reform were set out by the UK Government in the summer. In drawing up our own Green Paper we have considered these options in the light of our earlier consultation and in the context of the distinctive approach we have taken to social services in Wales"'
The paying for care options favoured by the UK Government are based on the principle that the new way to pay for care should be a partnership between the individual and government. Everyone who qualifies for care and support would have a proportion of their costs paid for by the government, but would have to fund the rest themselves.
There are various ways in which individuals could prepare to meet their contributions. For example, they could take out insurance in case they needed care in the future. Alternatively, individuals over retirement age could be required to make a one-off payment of before or after retirement or upon death.
Mrs Thomas added: "This is a vitally important issue for all of us in Wales and it is essential that we get as wide a debate as possible going on in our homes and communities. I would encourage everybody to read and respond to this Green Paper, so that our discussions with the UK Government are as informed as possible."
A 15 week consultation period starts today, during which Welsh stakeholders and the general public will be encouraged to give their views on the various options for reform. Further information can be found on www.payingforcareinwales.net (internet access required). Hard copies may be obtained from the Paying for Care Team, Welsh Assembly Government, Fourth Floor, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ, or by telephone 029 2082 5681.
Source: Health and Social Care Department
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