TOO often, we assume we know what older people need instead of asking them what they want. Research we have conducted indicates that the older people get, the more they value their independence. They want to make their own decisions about where they live and should have access to clear information to help them make informed choices.

As a charity that helps older people remain independent, we publish a free independent living guide, 60-Wise, which provides them and their relatives with essential information about enjoying an independent life in later years, including details of how to find a suitable care home — and how to pay for it. A free copy can be obtained by calling 08457 585680.

Jonathan Powell, chief executive,
Independent Age, London W14

Two stories

MY 98-year-old grandmother has been in residential care since a fall in September left her unable to care for herself. The care home is under-staffed and under-resourced. The food is awful and there is real lack of warmth. She cannot walk and has been given a room two floors up, so is forced to sit all day in a lounge with others or be left in her room alone as there is not the staff to move her. It makes me very sad and angry that her life has come to this.

I looked at several other homes during her initial 12 weeks. I was appalled: many were dirty, smelt awful and the patients were left to sit and stare into space. We have more compassion for animals in this country than our elderly. If I could have had her living with me, then that is what I would have done rather than subject her to this.

My dad is also in a nursing home; at just 56 he had diagnosed a degenerative brain disease. Thankfully his experience has been better and the home is wonderful. The catch is that he is 35 miles away in Milton Keynes, as that was the nearest place that could care for him.

Debbie Stokes,
Watford

Small but perfect

WE RUN a small retirement home. We can look after up to five elderly people, and have been giving very individualised care in this way for 12 years. When elderly people come to us, we expect to care for them as if they were relatives. We pride ourselves on giving elderly people a life “home from home”. Our elderly people are very happy and grateful for such individual care.

If the Government were to make it easier for small homes like ours to flourish, instead of causing so many to close down, elderly people and their relatives would be so much happier.

Charis Cavaghen-Pack,
Taunton

Poor show

HOW very sad to read the report on health benefits being restricted for elderly people in Britain. We are speaking of the very people who gave us freedom by their strength of heart and dedication to future generations. This is a terrible example to set for young Britons.

Vivienne Matthews,
vmatthews@historictours.com

Rich-poor divide

IT IS appalling that there should be any kind of discrimination against older people in the provision of healthcare. It would not happen in countries where the patient pays the bill. In fact, it will lead to a gap between private and state health care in the UK because those elderly who can afford to pay will do so, leaving the poorer part of the population to suffer yet again.

Geoff Nield,
Nottingham

On home ground

AN ALTERNATIVE to residential care is full-time care in the home. After a short period in a residential home, my 95-year-old mother moved back to her own home and was looked after by live-in carers for the last months of her life — and was much happier.

The organisation that supplied the carers was Christies Care in Suffolk. An assessment was made of my mother’s situation and the house checked to ensure that a second person could live there. The advantages were enormous since all the local contacts could be maintained and my mother had someone to look after her and be in the house almost around the clock. The short period the carer was off duty was covered by a friend or neighbour.

For an elderly person who has a house this could prove a most positive option. The costs are likely to be comparable with residential care, but the quality of the experience can be far better.

Christine Simmons,
Loughborough

What matters

I REMEMBER the 1970s, when people with no experience of nursing were allowed to open a care home, and staff were paid at the lowest level.

I believe that nursing and care homes should be part of the NHS, with the appropriate checks on quality. We should also accept that those with savings should pay their own fees. What matters is how people are looked after.

Tim Mickleburgh,
Grimsby

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