From: John Porter [mailto:john@balloons.plus.com]
Sent: 29 November 2010 07:29
To: 'Graham.Gibbens@kent.gov.uk'
Subject: One year ago
Dear Graham
It is one year ago today since my mum arrived at Bowles Lodge. My campaign has always been about the frail elderly people who live there, not the building that has become their cherished home. This central purpose might have lost amongst the hubbub of public meetings, debates, TV, radio and press interviews were it not for my weekly visits to see mum at Bowles Lodge and to chat with other residents.
I wonder how it is for you with all the political, fiscal and governmental pressure that you are under right now. I know you rely on your professional officers and, of course, it is they that are preparing a report for your consideration. I trust that their collating and editing will hide nothing of importance from you as you review it and make your decision. You have my positive proposal that I sent to you directly as part of the mass of information that must be considered.
Last Friday we had mum's annual review with her social worker and the manager at Bowles Lodge. It was an extraordinarily powerful reminder to me about the key thread of my campaign - the impact of moving residents from their home on their physical and mental health and wellbeing.
The review meeting revealed several things to me:
- First was how well mum is compared to when she arrived one year ago - her social worker said she could see that mum had thrived at Bowles Lodge both physically and mentally
- Bowles Lodge has saved mum's life
- It took mum about six months to settle in and orientate herself to her room, the lounge and access to the toilet
- Her new GP referred her to a geriatric consultant who adjusted her medication that has resulted in a sharp reduction in the number of falls she was having
- She revealed for the first time how worried she was about the possibility of Bowles Lodge closing
This was a very painful moment in the meeting for me - I had spoken to other residents who shared their anxieties with me about the proposal though they all said they had not mentioned it to their families as it may worry them (!) so for mum to disclose this at the meeting is very significant.
I appreciate that Bowles Lodge is just one home in the review of services for older people across Kent but mum's review meeting has deepened my purpose and resolve even more as leader of Bowles Lodge Stays!. As I have said, this campaign is not about a building it is about very old and frail people's home, their sense of belonging and security.
As a society I believe we are only just beginning our discussions about old age and respecting elderly people for who they are now, what they can offer to society now as well as the contributions they have made to our country. The campaign is not about winning or losing. Unfortunately we can be distracted by politics, economics, scale, money, personalities, reputations, professions and the law. All of these have their place but we are talking about sacred human life and when I looked into mum's eyes last Friday, feeling my own burn with welling tears my whole being shouted silently for compassion.
So, there you have my intensely personal message on the anniversary of mum being at Bowles Lodge. Whatever your decision Graham I want to respect you and the officers as people, as public servants of conscience and I am happy to contribute to our ongoing discussion about aging in its widest sense. For now I think of you as you consider the many submissions and leave the decision in your hands, knowing that you will search your heart, mind and conscience as you sift and weigh all the conflicting views and evidence.
Kind regards
John
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