Last night I was saddened and appalled by information imparted in the ABC1 Four Corners program called 'Breaking Point'. It focused upon four families who provide care and support for a severely disabled family member. According to reporter Wendy Carlisle the families in this program are not alone:
Across Australia it's estimated that there are 1.5 million people with a severe disability. Only a small proportion of them receive any direct physical care from government or charities. The vast majority rely on family and friends to help them survive.
Across Australia it's estimated that there are 1.5 million people with a severe disability. Only a small proportion of them receive any direct physical care from government or charities. The vast majority rely on family and friends to help them survive.
I don't know how these people continue to do what they do day after day. Their lives are frustrating and they have little respite! I have to admire their fortitude, courage and ability to love and care for another with a selflessness than many don't possess. Most of us are worried about our lives, our ambitions, what we don't have, what we think we're missing out on. We whinge, we complain, we carry on about the smallest things. I wonder how we'd be if we walked just one day in a carer's shoes!
A transcript of the program may be found at the following link:
A video of the program is available at:
I spent the last couple of days making a 3D character of a person with Trisomy (Downs Syndrome) for someone. If you would like a render of that 3D model to go with your post let me know & I'll email you some.
ReplyDeleteYes, that would be good Steve. I'll send you an email message.
ReplyDeleteWill the program change anything or will it just go down as an entertaining show on teli?
ReplyDeleteThe intention of this program was to inform the general public about the difficulties experienced by carers of people with a severe disability. Perhaps, after watching it, people may volunteer to help in some way or encourage the government to give more financial support for these people in need. The more people talk about such issues, the more it will be addressed. I know that the program has a blog site, perhaps you will gain some answers to your question in that forum.
ReplyDelete