Spain for the Elderly, Disabled and Infirm?

This past week the wonderful disability & welfare rights advocate, Sue Marsh, blogged about a great idea she had and which was supported by several well-known economists. See here for more details as it is well worth a read.

The article prompted me to add my two pennies worth:

Criquaer 2 July 2012 20:38

I've been going to Southern Spain for more than a decade for my health on GP's advice. In a similar vain, I do not understand why Govt./LA's do not send well-ish elderly/disabled to Spain to be cared for during the winter - cheaper than costs in UK, less need for fuel allowance, carers, meals-on-wheels, etc. Also benefit from better climate and social activities - thus less loneliness. I believe Germany & Denmark (???) send some folk there to recuperate.

[Image description: the author shuffling along the esplanade in Benalmádena, Andalusia.]

More than a decade ago, my then G.P. advised me to winter in southern Spain for health reasons. My osteoarthritis (inter alia other conditions) is greatly affected by Manchester’s (north-west England) damp climate to my detriment. This results in my not being able to walk and so needing to use a wheelchair, and, worse from my perspective, being confined to my bed for approximately two in every three days. Being bed-bound unsolicited is no slacker’s dream; but rather a Kafkaesque nightmare of imprisonment within the same four walls and exile from social contact (well, prior to facebook anyhow!). Despite the current Government's media approved scrounger narrative: no-one in their right mind would willingly choose this as a lifestyle. However, once in Spain my condition considerably ameliorates as it does for many OAPs (retirees) who also winter there themselves.

The Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition is desperate to find ways of saving money. Spain is desperate to create jobs and boost its economy.

I suggest that Britain sends those of its elderly, disabled and ill-health sufferers who are willing and able to Andalusia during the autonomous region’s off-peak tourist season, roughly October to March. The Junta de Andalucía could co-ordinate consortia consisting of hotels, medical establishments & town councils to bid for contracts and/or they could calculate a fair rate to charge the UK Government or individual local authorities.

The advantages to the UK might include:

A reduction in excess winter deaths;

A reduction in the need for winter fuel allowance;

A reduction in CO2 emissions due to reduction in energy use;

A reduction in water use;

A reduction in winter pressure on the NHS;

A reduction in the need for ‘flu jabs;

A reduction in the need for (humane) social care;

A reduction in the need to import foodstuffs;

A reduction in the number of travel journeys made & use of public transport, thus reducing stress on the transport infrastructure;

A reduction in the need for meals-on-wheels;

A reduction in the demands on the charity sector;

A reduction in the workload of social services departments;

A reduction in crime against the person;

A reduction in loneliness for those sent out to Spain;

An increase in health & well-being for those sent out to Spain;

An increase in employment and/or job-security in the airline industry;

An increase in employment and/or job-security in the policing/security industry.

Disadvantages might include:

An increase in property crime;

A reduction in spending locally.

The advantages to Andalusia might include:

An increase in hotel room occupancy rate and thus income of hotels;

An increase in employment and/or job-security in the tourism/hospitality industry;

An increase in spending in the local economy by those sent out to Spain;

An increase in spending in the local economy by those newly employed and/or retained in employment;

An increase in employment and/or job-security in the medical industry;

An increase in demand for locally- or nationally-grown or reared foodstuffs;

An increase in use of public transport and/or taxis, so supporting the transport industry;

An increase in employment and/or job-security in the airline industry;

An increase in employment and/or job-security in the waste management industry;

An increase in teaching jobs to give all those sent out to Spain the opportunity to learn Castilian Spanish;

An increase in Spanish cultural awareness;

An increase in cultural activities for both locals & those sent to Spain;

An increase in employment and/or job-security in the cultural industry;

An increase in the need for policing/security thus an increase in employment and/or job-security for the security industry;

An increase in well-being of locals gaining employment and/or increasing their hours/job-security;

A reduction in the need for benefits for those obtaining jobs and/or those with extended hours.

Disadvantages might include:

An increase in the use of precious water resources;

An increase in CO2 emissions;

An increase in pollution;

An increase in waste;

An increase in pick-pocketing, muggings, etc.

[Image description: the author on a two-stick day in Míjas, Andalusia.]

I understand other countries have similar schemes: but I believe what I am suggesting is on a scale not previously contemplated. Is it worth a go? Or am I being hopelessly naïf and idealistic?