Record Year of Medical Care for Samaritan Fund

In the last year the Masonic Samaritan Fund (MSF) has provided more support to more applicants in need of medical care and support than in any previous year since it was established in 1990. Two of the recent cases highlight the continuing impact of the Fund on the lives of individual Freemasons and their dependants.

An Eye to the Future

Although the Masonic Samaritan Fund provides support to applicants of all ages, 40 years old is considerably younger than the average age of those who apply for assistance.
     However, having had damage to his right eye (his good one) and only peripheral vision in his left eye since birth, Russell Dawes turned to the Fund when diagnosed in July with a fast-growing cataract in his right eye. By September his vision was so poor that he had stopped driving and sought an urgent NHS appointment.
     Facing a five-month wait for an initial appointment via the NHS, Russell approached the Fund and underwent surgery in November last year. He describes what he went through:
     “Having sight predominantly in only one eye, then facing surgery on it, was quite daunting. The risk was enormous, but one which left me no choice, and just 40 minutes after the surgery the consultant took off the eye patch and the result was simply amazing.
     “Without the prompt assistance of the MSF I am not sure what would have happened. It is reassuring, though, that they are there in times of need and I would urge all Brethren to encourage and support those who may need to solicit the assistance of the MSF.”

Time Off with Respite Care

Caring for a partner, child, relative, friend or neighbour who could not manage on their own, possibly due to age, physical or mental illness, addiction or disability, is often a full-time job. As with any other task, the carer is likely to benefit from some time off from their caring responsibilites in order to return refreshed to ‘work’.
     Many people with caring responsibilitlies do not consider themselves to be a carer. They are just looking after their spouse, parent or child and getting on with the role as anyone else would in the same situation. Yet, of the six million carers in this country, more than 59% suffer from deteriorating health because the type and intensity of care needed can compromise their own health and well-being.
     The MSF will support applications to fund the provision of Respite Care so that the carer can take a well-earned rest, confident that their loved one is being looked after in a safe and caring environment.
     This support can be provided either in an RMBI care home or at a private residential care home near to where the applicant lives. Support can be available for up to six weeks a year and repeat applications are welcomed and expected as the care need continues.
     Respite Care is available to those who have a long-term caring commitment and should not be confused with convalesent care. The latter is usually associated with the desire to have a period of care to assist with recuperation after surgery or a stay in hospital.
     The MSF does not currently consider applications for convalesent care. Any enquiries for support should be directed, first, to the medical professional who has advised that convalesence is required.
     If you are caring for a loved one and feel that you would benefit from a break, please contact the Fund for further details.

MSF CONTACT DETAILS

     60 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AZ
     Tel: 020 7404 1550
     Fax: 020 7404 1544
     Email: mail@msfund.org.uk
     www.nmsf.org.uk
     John Williams: 07931 533648