I WRITE re: Howbury House, Pickersleigh Grove, Malvern (A Worcestershire County Council resource centre for older people).

I have received intermediate care at Howbury for the last five years. I am 69 years of age and have never experienced any residential care before. I was referred here from hospital for complete rest and essential weight gain, before returning to my own home.

I have experienced the highest quality of care imaginable. I cannot speak too highly of Howbury House and its incredible staff. I ran my own business for 30 years (a language school) and know a little about organisation and people management. Howbury House fulfils every one of its stated aims. It is superbly run – wonderful management: seemingly effortlessly all aims are achieved in the loveliest atmosphere imaginable – lots of fun, laughter and at all times great respect and compassion is shown to the people receiving care. Never once have I seen anything but the greatest courtesy, kindness and gentleness shown to the users by the carers.

I am rather younger than my fellow users in my unit – they were 98, 94, 92 and 90 – all absolutely alert and alive in every sense, if a little frail. Some of them have no family – they are alone and very courageous. Imagine how reassuring it is for them to feel so safe cared for and part of society.

The physiotherapy and occupational therapy services are excellent and most important the superb catering services (in-house chef and staff) provides the most delicious food – nourishing and appetising – so essential to aid recovery.

I am not sentimental. This is an objective appraisal of Howbury House. I think all its staff deserve public recognition for the huge contribution they make to the welfare and benefit of the elderly. Please do something for them. They (the staff) are people battling through life with their own cares and responsibilities, but they certainly bring a sense of vocation to the jobs they do splendidly at Howbury.

Please acknowledge the magnificent effort all the staff at Howbury House contribute to our society – it is a flagship for British excellence.

MRS P A CHIKWE
Hanley Castle