Just been reading a news article about a horrendous phenomenon happening in Australia - "Granny Dumping"
I cannot beleive that something so cruel and barbarric could happen in such an advanced and prosperous country like Australia. I thought i was reading about a country in the middle of a ressesion nay depression but no, it is indeed happening in "booming" Australia.

Elderly people are being dumped at hospital emergency departments by relatives - some heading off on holidays, others unable to cope with the pressure of being full-time carers.

Emergency staff are increasingly concerned and frustrated by the added burden of frail aged patients who arrive at their doorstep at Christmas, Easter and long weekends.
'You should hear some of the excuses. When all's said and done, it's no different to dropping your dog off at a boarding kennel
Others are more sympathetic, pointing to a massive shortfall in respite care facilities, adding primary carers are often so desperate for breathing space, hospitals end up being their only option.

People bring elderly relatives into emergency, disappear off and then make themselves uncontactable
a common phenomenon nationally
some folk are too concerned about heading to the Gold Coast and a dementia sufferer or wheelchair-bound relative is not the accessory many want at the beach
http://www.seniorsworldchronicle.com...abandoned.html