The government has so far refused to pay for personal care, such as help washing, dressing and eating, where people do not have an underlying medical condition.

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The sick are confronted with the rising costs of medical care and medicines, the youth hang around washing people's cars to make that illusive buck and the borders still strain to the movements of those in search of greener pastures.

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Gordon Brown's plans to provide 400, 000 vulnerable elderly people free help with the likes of washing, eating and bathing in their homes - rather than moving them to residential care - had been due to come into effect on 1 October, subject to the bill being passed.

BBC: Government in 'retreat' over personal care for elderly

The issue of personal care has been a real challenge for my father - he objects to people washing him.

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