AS the granddaughter of a former resident of Longfield Home for the Elderly, I have nothing but praise for the staff and facilities there.

The home was recently reported upon after the inquest into the death of an 81-year-old resident, the jury decided that neglect contributed to her accidental death last April.

My gran moved to Longfield after being diagnosed with dementia shortly after her 90th birthday in 2001.

Longfield was her home until her death in January 2002. Throughout these months the staff looked after her every need 24 hours a day, and we were welcome to visit at any time.

The staff at Longfield made my gran's final months as happy and dignified as was possible.

The week before her death entailed visits from various family members at all hours of the day. Family members were made to feel welcome staying overnight to be by my gran's side.

The death last April was indeed a tragic incident, but please don't let us ignore other cases where residents and their families' lives have been improved greatly by moving into Longfield Home for the Elderly.

KATE WILSON (Miss), Hudson Close, Lammack, Blackburn.