Now is time to recognise the importance of care sector

Clearly many are facing challenges of a unprecedented nature. Perhaps we have, as a nation, underestimated their importance and under-resourced them, with many staff on low pay.

It should concern us that 18 per cent or so of us are over 65, with an estimated rise to 25 per cent by 2050.

Those currently of that age group self-isolating worry when they will see their families again and worry they may end up in care homes, where so many of their peers are ending their days.

We as a nation have never got to grips with financing of care homes that is acceptable to users and providers alike, leaving a legacy, it seems, whereby we are asking them to cope with significant numbers of elderly with coronavirus, but lacking the resources, including personal protective equipment, to cope.

Hopefully this will stimulate this issue to be addressed and us to develop a more sustainable long-term strategy for care of the elderly .

A society is defined by how it looks after those who needs its care and compassion.

The frontline staff in this vital sector have to be more valued and provided with better training and equipment. More importantly we as society must be prepared to pay for it.

Locally, I can only be amazed and uplifted by the gesture of local lad Harry Maguire to provide groceries and handwritten keep safe messages to elderly residents.

That he is doing it through local businesses is a double benefit too.

So well done Harry, as we cannot underestimate the pressures of self isolation, it is a most welcome boost – a good example of actually showing you care which is more powerful than words.

It is good the care sector is getting the recognition of the badges, but we need to protect them as we do the NHS and other key worker in many occupations.

Someone said better be lion for day than sheep for a lifetime.

Now is the time for us to roar in support of our key workers, particularly those in the care sector who we will all have need of.