Abolish residential care and end excess disability

Last night (04.03.14) GreenHouse Project founder Dr Bill Thomas addressed attendees of a roundtable in London debating the care of frail older people in the UK.   He called for the abolition of residential care institutions, stating they generate excess disability and are a ‘problem maintaining’ solution.

Dr Thomas said:
“Institutions incarcerate people. They are not normal and actually contribute to the medicalization of our elders, creating dependency and excess disability. What’s more these institutions dis-empower and stigmatize older people, perpetuating ageism that exists in society.  They must be abolished.

“Instead, we need to create great places to live where older people can flourish, enjoy meaningful relationships, and continue to contribute. This benefits them, the local community and the economy!”