Sir, Carol Midgley (“Wine and fags make a good pension plan”, Opinion, Aug 14) rightly argues that it is amazing that more of us do not establish ourselves in communes for grown-ups when we get old, and care for each other — or, if necessary, buy in care together.

The US, Germany, the Netherlands and much of Scandinavia have just such schemes, called co-housing. There have been a few attempts to get this going in the UK, but none, as far as I am aware, have been successful.

We are not only sleepwalking into one in four of us needing long-term care in a care home, but also, all too often, denying ourselves, and, more significantly, our parents, much fun.

Can it really be that difficult to set up communes for older people, whether friends or not? And is it really beyond us to look at present provision and declare forcefully that it will not do?

Carol Midgley suggested wine and fags as our pension plan. Nothing wrong with that, but couldn’t we have a grey power movement as well that simply refuses to put up with much of what exists?

Julia Neuberger
London NW1

Sir, Good for you, Carol Midgley. Your article makes fascinating reading. However, as a home manager for the past five years and having nursed for thirty-five years, I would like to comment on it.

It’s wonderful that Lorna Page, 93, was able to buy a house, as described in the article, and invite her friends who were unhappy in the care home to live with her there.

Anyone contemplating having to entrust their loved one to a care home would be terrified after reading Carol’s article.

My dealings with the inspectors have always been positive and I am surprised at the bad examples Carol mentions because the regulators’ powers are enormous and such places could have been closed and the staff reported to the adult protection teams.

Please, any prospective residents and relatives, do not be afraid. In my home and many, many more, the care and devotion are wonderful.

Yesterday one of my residents celebrated 59 years of marriage. Her husband had lunch, stayed all day, while sparkling wine and a beautiful cake were enjoyed by everybody. I am sure the anniversary couple would have loved to be in a house, but in reality all their contemporaries would be too frail to look after each other.

Amanda Francis
Manager, BUPA Brompton House
Broadway, Worcs

Explore Letters

• Feedback