Anne,a middle-aged divorcee,spends her life caring for her mother,Bella,who has Alzheimer's Disease whilst following the progress of her son Chris,who is back-packing across South America. She meets John,also divorced,and they spend time together,letting Anne's married sister Lynne mind Bella. However Bella is used to living with Anne and Lynne tends to use this as an excuse to shirk her responsibilities.When Chris is mugged Anne decides to fly out,with John,to see him and asks Lynne to become Bella's carer for three weeks but Lynne feels that she would be better off in a care home. If Lynne refuses Anne will have wasted her money on the plane fares. Fortunately Bela has a far better understanding of family politics than either sister realises.