TV on rest homes

Press, 31 July 1978, Page 16

TV on rest homes

Sir, — I would like to support Mr R. D. L. Stuart (July 28) in his criticism of the recent TVI film “The Last Segregation.” By carefully ignoring the problems of caring for the aged, the film did a great disservice to all the dedicated women of the nursing profession who by their kindness and understanding help to comfort and reassure the old during “The Last Segregatio .” To suggest that senile people should be given more independence, by allowing them to dress and feed themselves is one glaring example of the utter lack of appreciation of the situation. I have had years of caring for an ageing parent and subseque: have been a constant visitor to a local geriatric hospital, and it is very obvious to me that the shortage of staff would preclude any nurse giving unecessary assistance to any patient. — Yours, etc., (Mrs) A. P. ATKINSON. July 27, 1978.

Sir, — I wish to commend Mr R. D, L. Stuart’s letter (July 28) on the TVI programme, “The Last Segregation.” I question why the television authorities allow such a programme by two fine arts students. It would appear that they look on the dark side of old age. I live in a sister home to those mentioned. Suffering from arthritis, I chose to go to a home rather than to expect friends or rela lives to do my shopping for me or necessary housework. I can walk easily, go to an afternoon concert, enjoy good reading and radio, it is like living in a boarding house, but nursing care is there if required. In most cases in these homes, people’s minds are clear, and we are free to go out at will. — Yours, etc., (MISS) A. INNES. July 28, 1978.

Sir, — I write to commend the letter of Mr Stuart in criticism of “The Last Segregation.” David Coulson and Tim White obviously know very little about old people. They must have picked out the worst cases of strokes or advanced disease, which

can as easily, and more often do occur in private homes more than in communities. As one who livin a retired community run by the Anglican Church, as I prefer independence, I wish to assure the two fine arts boys that many of us are just as active mentally as they are. Those of us who are not incapacitated »hysically can go out when we like. We all go into a dining room for meals and feed ourselves, and join in games and handcrafts of all kinds. — Yours, etc., D. E. EVANS. July 28, 1978.