IT was with horror that yet again I read of the turbulence and greed within the care system of the elderly and vulnerable.

Not only is the quality of basic care brought into question in hospitals, but now those within the box of private homes are threatened with abandonment at the whim of those who live in luxury.

The whole world is money-orientated whatever box you care to tick.

Care of others, whether it be little ones entering the world, their mothers, children who need special care, accident victims, disabled of all age groups, the elderly, need our love and honour.

At the age of 31 I trained as an auxiliary nurse under a matron and nursing sister in a private nursing home in West Sussex. The house was Victorian, large and rambling in lovely grounds. The most relevant instruction we were given, whether nursing, cooking or cleaning was the physical and moral welfare of each individual patient.

I loved going to work, it became my passion. I left after a year to train further and two years later returned to visit a patient. The scheme had been sold on and entering the house I noticed a complete difference. Standards had dropped and I learned fear had gone up. So, even in the 70s the die was already being cast.

The elderly (being my particular baby) if you like, have entered the world, in whatever family background, gone through their various experiences, relationships, work, illness, caring for others, contributed to this world.

Whatever their temperament (and they are not all love and light) they warrant our respect and dedication.

If we live long enough, more and more of us will reach the stage where we too will need such honour.

That honour has to come from the top, from those who own such complexes, those who manage, those who care, cook and clean; right the way down the line.

Do as you would be done by,

please.

Margaret Coles

Newnham-on-Severn