I am a 90-year-old living on my own. I am still active and can manage to do most things by myself. I wash and iron my clothes, cook for myself and for frequent visits by members of the family and do most other things about the house.

Until now, I am fairly independent and would like to remain so. My only difficulty is to wash the floor. For this reason, I signed a contract with Social Services to pay a monthly fee for the services of a maid who comes for two hours per week on a stipulated day/time. So far, well and good.

The government hires the services of a contractor to provide these services. My maid visits once a week, on the same day and at the same time. The trouble starts when the maid has to go on leave on the day she provides her service. Many times, the contractor phones only a few minutes before to inform me she would not make it and would offer the services of another maid at the most awkward days and hours.

The fact that one has his own timetable to keep is of no importance. If one refuses the alternative date/time offered because of other commitments, he not only loses that week’s service but has to pay for it just as well.

Is this fair?