A Poem - Where's the dignity in care?

It's not what I do for you it's what you do for me...

They trust us....Family...

It was the loveliest of birthdays that I had ever had...

All older people should have a chance to live in our home..

Tears..they should have bared witness..those in power

Laughter is the price of life.....you know

Can't imagine you not being there..

Its made such a difference to my life...

It can make me angry you know..because we care..it's not for the money..

Even if it's tragic you have to find a way to laugh

Its helped me get through this time.. our Sanctuary, safe safe.....

Comfortable..you have to be comfortable, well fed and warm..that's what I say

Friends they sort your problems out..you know these people aren't carers they're your friends

Written by the residents and dignity champions from Warwickshire County Council Care Home who have demonstrated through extraordinary difficult times what true dignity is all about. They have such an abundance of joy, kindness and optimism I wish them all well in their journeys through this harsh period of cuts and change.

Submitted by Hazel Ratcliffe - Independent Facilitator for Warwickshire County Councils Dignity in Action Strategy groups -www.ratcliffeconsultancy.info