I don't know wha it's called that DH is watching, but it is on BBC1 and involves celebs going to live with old people

[Saltire]

who are carers, widowed etc.

Its very good so far

I sadly noted that Peggy had been abused in her childhood by her mother by being beaten with a dog whip. She herself said that you never forget. John Simpson was certainly the right person to see her life.

Re the lady whose husband had the stroke I doubt very much that Social Services would have been able to assist much. Carers more often than not have to be paid for privately. My Nan has carers twice a day to help with her personal care, Social Services did not want to know as she was above the monetary threshold to actually receive help and therefore decided she was not in enough need!.

Anyhoo the second part of this programme When I get Older is on this evening at 9.00 on BBC1.

Attila - yes care is means tested and people may have to pay a contribution towards the package .
But you're allowed something like £46,000 for a couple and this would not include the value of the house you live in .
Local authorities have tightened up on what level of disability qualifies for care ,so may not count an elderly ,even disabled person as in enough need for help .
But someone who'se mobility is so impaired that they need a hoist would qualify .
I've helped care for someone living in her own home who had 5 visits a day ,two people each visit . And her contribution was very small .

Did people watch the second one? I love that Tony Robinson's answer to the problems is to take them down the pub!

I'm dreading getting old. Think I'll jump off a cliff.

I nurse older people and actually I rather look forward to it! It's all about attitude. Staying active and using your mind seems to be key to quality of life to a lot of people. My great, great, great aunt lived to 97 and she thought it was down to three things - watching the snooker (at any unGodly hour), watching every quiz show on tv to keep her mind active and drinking a can of Guiness each night She also had a cheerful disposition (maybe due to the Guiness)!