British television presenter Kate Garraway has revealed the immense financial strain caused by her late husband Derek Draper’s long-term healthcare needs. Draper passed away in January at the age of 56 due to complications from COVID-19.
Garraway discussed her financial situation in her latest documentary, “Kate Garraway: Derek’s Story.” She candidly shared that the £16,000 ($19,200 USD) monthly cost of Draper’s care exceeded her salary from her role as a presenter on the popular show “Good Morning Britain.”
The documentary features moving footage of Draper speaking on camera. It’s the first time his voice has been heard in the documentary series. He expresses his desire to have his story told: “I want you to hear my story… I wantto be heard.”
“Kate Garraway: Derek’s Story” focuses on the final year of Draper’s life. Garraway uses the platform to highlight the systemic issues within the British care system and its impact on families.
Speaking before Draper’s death, Garraway revealed her growing debt: “Derek’s care costs more than my salary from ITV… I can’t earn enough money to cover my debt because I am managing Derek’s care and I can’t even use the money I do have to support Derek’s recovery, because it’s going on the basics all the time.” She emphasized that while her job on “Good Morning Britain” was well-paid, it was simply not enough to cover the costs.
This is not the first time Garraway has documented her family’s struggles. She previously released two other ITV programs, “Finding Derek” and “Caring For Derek,” that explored the impact of her husband’s illness.
In her latest documentary, Garraway criticizes the current system for not providing adequate support to those needing long-term care. “Time and time again the system tells us that Derek isn’t sick enough, doesn’t have enough of a health need to qualify for funded care,” she says. Despite appeals, Garraway has yet to receive a response after nearly three years. She questions the sustainability of the system and the immense burden placed on families and care providers.
Garraway’s experience highlights a larger issue within the healthcare system. Alison Holt, BBC Social Affairs editor, notes that many families face similar challenges when confronting the high costs of long-term care. Despite repeated promises for reform, families find themselves lost in a complex and underfunded system that falls short of meeting their needs.
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