Letter: Old ways are best for elderly

Leaving boarding school (BRIB) at the end of 1946, because of my poor eyesight my job abilities were limited. I worked on a farm at Apley for eight years.

However, though the farmer Harold Cooke was a good employer, the job did not have the prospects I wanted since I was married in 1953.

I went to work at GKN Sankey to get a better wage. My ambition was to own my own house.

I am sure a lot of families in those days had the same ambition.

Old age people in nursing homes who need care, prefer being at home.

My wife died 15 months ago and she preferred to die at home with cancer. I went along with her wishes and nursed her as best as I could, but in the end I needed carers to come in to wash and make her comfortable.

Not only did they do the necessary duties, but talking to other women who were experienced in their work, gave Joyce some enjoyment for their caring nature regarding her personally.

I am sure this gave my wife assurance she had what she wanted.

It does seem that some of the old ways of life have gone, regarding looking after the old people.

While some people in the country think they can live a life off the state and sponge off the hard working people paying tax.

P Sherwood

Wellington