IT is shocking news to read of the imminent closure of Archways care home (The Press, August 17).

It has provided patients with respite care following operations and lengthy bouts of serious illness for many years.

These homes are an essential part of the need to regain confidence for people living alone after a hospital stay and often after trauma.

Convalescent homes were phased out many years ago. This was a blow to the needy.

Now we see it happening to one of the few such places left here in York.

Stating that support will be given at home instead is not the answer.

The care staff do their best, but due to the numbers of patient visits they are constantly stretched to the limit.

I have known of the elderly being put into their night clothes as early as tea time.

They then face ahead a very long evening and night with possibly no contact with another person right through until next morning.

Older people need stimulus to keep them healthy and alert and deserve better.

Moreover it is a poor reflection on the good name of York’s former Lord Mayor, Jack Archer, whose name it bears.

Elizabeth Harris, Kirkwell, Bishopthorpe, York