The care home was impressive but so were the fees--just over £1000 a week for someone with dementia. And I suspect the place would be quick to add on extra costs. It was like a posh hotel. Death was considered a word to avoid, a subject not to consider. What's wrong with death for those in their eighties and demented? Why prolong life, particularly life in inverted commas?

The rooms, the private bedrooms, were big, too big. The chap showing us round stressed the importance of the residents being able to have their own furniture. The ethos was on making the place as homely as possible. My folks' home looks nowt like that. It's tatty, untidy, and cramped, the carpets are threadbare, and the furniture worn out.

The cost was such that if you had to ask about the fees you couldn't afford them. At least we had a free, quite tasty, lunch there.

I'm beginning to think that it might be a blessing for one's parents to die young. Tragic at the time, but not as bad as this. Life comes at a price.

Thought for today
The way to get started is to quit talking and to begin doing.
Walt Disney (1901 - 1966) American animator