First, two of the parties in government in particular nations of the UK.

Of those I have not previously looked at, the DUP (the Democratic Unionists in Northern Ireland) have a quite detailed manifesto compared with many others. It wins out on palliative care, among all the manifestos I have seen:

The World Health Organisation recognizes that palliative care incorporates physical, psychological and spiritual needs and it is important that all elements are properly resourced.Three quarters of people indicate that they would prefer to die at home, and this must be respected as services are commissioned.Those in receipt of such care should be informed about benefits available to them and given sound advice around finance and other personal matters as they plan for the end of their life. (p 45)

Can’t say fairer or more thoughtful than that. Then, their final objective on health:

• greater delivery of end of life care in primary and community settings rather   than secondary care (p 32)

Then, mentions of social care:

Opportunities should be freed up for charities and other providers with a proven track record to deliver services.The third sector has much to offer
in social care provision in areas such as mental health,dementia,learning
disability and acquired brain injury. (p 29)

The recommendations of the Bamford Review of Mental Health should be implemented. Approximately 24,000 people currently suffer dementia in Northern Ireland, and this figure is expected to climb to 50,000 by 2051. Health and social care costs for dementia of £200 million will double within twenty years.We need to be well-equipped to treat and support these individuals. A comprehensive dementia strategy for Northern Ireland is required. (p 45)

As well as these specific points, they are good examples of the way the health agenda is markedly preventive and community oriented; it rather nicely recommends asking NICE to identify existing practice that is non-cost-effective, as well as new things that are. There’s a fairly positive section on valuing older people. There’s also a lot on poverty and inequality -  of course they’re sticking up for the protestants against the catholics.

The Scottish National Party has a smallish manifesto; however its summary puts older people right up there at the front:  a fair deal for pensioners with pensions rising in line with earnings and a guarantee to protect free personal care and concessionary travel (Page 4 after the photos). A lot of the manifesto is about being champions for the interests of Scots people; for example:

we believe Scots must not lose out as a result of policy decisions for england. That means there should be no new taxes or contributions, or changes to attendance allowance or Carer’s allowance that will impact on Scots, to pay for reform of care for the elderly down south.

Referring to Sinn Fein, the other power-sharer in Northern Ireland, there still seems to be no manifesto, but there are campaign statements:

Website for these: http://www.sinnfein.ie/election-campaign-statements

I’d like to comment on the Respect Party manifesto, but my browser will not download it. However, the website does not reveal much interest in health and social care, or older people; it mainly focuses on anti-racism and equality issues, particularly around housing, education and work; a party for the working man, I decided.

The website: http://www.therespectparty.net/breakingnews.php?id=864

The British National Party has now published its manifesto; searches for palliative, end of life and social care drew a blank. However, it does mention ’social work’; apparently the police are doing too much of this, politically correctly, and it’s got to stop.

Looking more broadly at the manifesto, NHS funding would be increased if there (in your dreams) were a BNP government by removing the foreign aid budget, and old age pension and public sector pensions would be sorted out. Housing and other public services would be relieved by not having to provide services to any immigrants, and human rights and equality legislation and organisations would be removed. Serious criminals will be similarly removed to South Georgia (the little British colony miles from anywhere in the Atlantic) and the death penalty would be applied to lots of nasty people, especially rapists.

They are also into compulsory volunteering: ‘a Community Award Scheme for our young people which will take the form of a compulsory one year period for all school leavers during which they will work in the community as the final element of their education. This scheme will allow young people to choose between a variety of community service options which might include, for example, caring for the elderly or disabled people, environmental or heritage restoration projects or military training. The final choice of direction in this regard will be dictated by the school leaver’s scholastic record, preferences and suitability. These courses would be character building and would instil discipline, social and community values and work ethics in all young people.’

That’s going to be popular with the gap year middle classes. Yes, when I’m elderly, I want to be cared for by some lout forced to look after me. Volunteering should mean what it says; you should want to do it.

You would laugh at all this, or weep about the attitude to other human beings. But these views are the attitudes of many pub bores across the country. You can imagine them poking you in the chest to emphasise their points, as they down yet another pint. How is it that we are educating people in social and personal understanding so badly that this sort of approach to the world still exists?

Website: http://bnp.org.uk/pdf_files/BNP-Manifesto-2010-online.pdf