YOUR front cover story in last week’s Journal might give the impression that care for the elderly locally is in crisis (Care home worker on trial over abuse claims, September 25).

I want to testify to the high standard of care some other homes in the city provide.

My wife has been in one such home for the past 18 months, confined to bed with advanced Alzheimer’s.

Every member of the staff has become a close friend, nothing is too much trouble and, however difficult a situation, every resident is treated with genuine respect and dignity.

The staff never show any sign of irritation or criticism, even in the most demanding cases, and there is an atmosphere which can only be described as a “real home”.

Testimony to this is the fact that some of the staff have worked there for more than 15 years.

On inspection visits, the home gains gold stars in every field and there is an “open door policy” – you can visit when you want and the manager will give you immediate personal attention when needed.

In view of the fact that the name of the home in your report is so similar, the one I have described above is Milford House Care Home in Milford Mill Road and I challenge anyone to find fault with it, day or night.

Rex Howe

St Nicholas Road

IT was with great shock and sadness that I followed the case of the senior carer at Milford Manor dementia home who was charged with abuse recently.

My own mother had been a resident there, suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s, for the last three years eight months until her death four weeks ago.

I would like to state without reservation how much I admire, respect, and support the brilliant staff who cared for my mother throughout her time at Milford Manor. Dementia can bring grief, pain and anger to both the sufferer and their loved ones, and the support and warmth of care that Milford Manor provides perhaps can’t be understood by anybody whose life has not been touched by dementia.

The professionalism, care and thought that goes into the whole ethos and management of Milford Manor has been a constant source of comfort to us, while the staff’s treatment of mum made those last few years some of the most contented and safe of mum’s life in some ways.

On every single occasion that I was with my mother in Milford Manor, I observed only compassion, understanding, patience and a sense of shared humour from all the staff, whatever their job. Many of them have a difficult, harrowing time for much of their very hard working day. Even after the recent court case and findings, I can honestly say that, were I ever in need of a safe haven for myself or a loved one, I would unhesitatingly and happily entrust myself and my care to the staff of Milford Manor. Heartfelt thanks to you all for the hard work you put in to make my mother’s life the best it could possibly be during her last years.

Ann Ayton Fovant n IT is sad when the occasional bad apple colours our views on a section of society that generally serves its community with a true sense of dedicated service.

I am speaking of the carers who for a modest monetary return look after those in daily need of assistance in the managing of their daily routine: the elderly, the physically disabled, the mentally affected...

My experience is limited, for I have only fairly recently joined those in need of help with their routine. First there were the two experts who unhurriedly checked the essential modifications to the bathroom and suggested where grab rails should be placed at strategic points, then when these were done there was another visit to check that the work had been efficiently carried out. As for the 'live-in' person, consideration on the part of both giver and taker seems the essential oil for a relaxed relationship. I am indeed sincerely grateful for those who must escort me during my remaining days.

Yvonne Fox

Stratford-sub-Castle

Salisbury