I HAVE some experience of visiting care homes. I can think of nothing more disheartening and, in some cases, disturbing.

I used to visit an aunt living in a very well-appointed private care home.

One day I arrived rather later than usual and found her sitting in total darkness. She had been unable to reach the light switch, and her calls for help had been ignored. The staffing was inadequate and, I dare say, ill-trained and ill-paid.

Often my aunt would appear confused. Knowing something of her quite exceptional life, I was able to talk to her, and slowly coax her back to self-awareness, and her reality, such as it was. She would cling to me in tears.

This experience of psychological and physical neglect was repeated afterwards, though less emotionally, with friends and other people I knew taken into care.

One care home was exceptional: York’s Oliver House, referred to by Paul Abbott (Letters, February 25).

That this model of social provision should be closed down before comparable accommodation was made available strikes me as grossly inprovident.

I look to our elected councillors to provide an explanation and, if possible, reassurance.

William Dixon Smith, York.