FRIENDS of mine, a disabled man and his wife, were on their way home from a successful holiday.

Arriving in good time at Edinburgh Airport, they were taken swiftly by the ‘special assistant’ to their gate and instructed to wait until he returned. They watched anxiously for their assistant to return as the flight began to board.

Asking for help, with limited English, no one on duty seemed to care. Eventually, they were advised they would have to wait until the next flight. Once their bags containing vital medicines were returned, they were unceremoniously dispatched to a hotel to wait 24 hours, the benefit of their holiday spoiled.

Disability in a family, either physical or mental, is debilitating. Caring for a disabled or elderly loved one is extremely costly and can put inordinate stress on the carer’s own health. Living with and coping with disability can become all-encompassing, making holidays and breaks from routine more precious.

‘Care in the community’, the holy grail to provide better care for the elderly and disabled, reaches everyone’s lives, especially in home care, hospitality and transport. Legislation is in place, but society’s attitudes don’t always keep up.

There are excellent examples where, in partnership with local authorities and charities, the situation can be transforming for those coping with disabilities. If the funding and care package is in place, a disabled person can have a great quality of life and may even be able to contribute as well. Family members can then be released from care duty.

Outstanding charities such as North Berwick's Leuchie House provide transformational holidays and respite care for people living with neurological conditions such as MS, MND, stroke and Parkinson’s. They treat their visitors as guests rather than disabled patients and create a positive experience of how disabled people are perceived. The added advantage is families get a break from the relentless responsibility of caring.

This is just one example that shines light on the constantly repeated buzz words.

To have ‘care in the community,’ first the community must care.