Johann Hari in The Independent

I never thought I would write this, but there was an excellent article by Johann Hari in The Independent yesterday. Normally I don't bother with his column - his writing has a spiteful quality that undermines any more serious points he is making. But yesterday's "manifesto" on care for the elderly was important, cogent and full of intelligent ideas. He is obviously writing from the heart. You can read it on-line here: http://johannhari.com/2011/01/26/how-to-end-the-crisis-in-our-old-peoples-homes-and-make-sure-nobody-suffers-like-my-grandmother-again I absolutely endorse all ten points in the article, and would like to see them adopted as government policy. Ironically economic and demographic pressures may help to ensure elderly people are supported in their own homes by their own families. If first time buyers are unable to afford a house of their own many of them will be obliged to stay in the parental home until they ultimately inherit. This may not be ideal in every case, but it seems to be a reasonable generational trade-off - care for elderly relatives in return for a £450 weekly payment and ultimate ownership of the family property (perhaps with a presumption in law that children who look after their parents are entitled to inherit their property, whatever the Will may say). As most couples have only two children this should be an economically elegant solution to the housing shortage and the issue of long-term care for the elderly. It will not suit the current "lifestyle" preferences, but lifestyles are just a matter of marketing (and we know how malleable marketing can be).