Interesting reading this thread. One of the problems i see is the UK itself, although i have no evidence to base it on without further research, I believe we are one of the worst for looking after our elderly. By that i mean within immediate family. We seem to want to cart our parents off to care homes as soon has they start losing their faculties. I give Italy as way of example, that appear to care more for their parents, than we do.
http://www.cliccamuseo.org/who-takes-care-of-the-elderly-in-italy/
We seem to base everything around money, than actually caring for our loved ones ie but what about my inheritance!?
Then we take the next route, the suggestions we put people out of their misery, and although i do try to understand that in part, how do we ensure that is the sacred choice of the individual themselves, and not one made by the family to lesson the burden and inconvenience on them.
Just a few words and thoughts on a very complex topic.