IN response to C Gillespie (Letters, March 21) if she has first hand experience of caring for an elderly relative, she must be aware of the physical and emotional demands placed on the carer.

People are now living into their eighties and nineties and this presents the problem that their children could well be in their seventies and in need of care themselves, which, according to her should be provided by their families.

If these care homes are closed, many residents will be transferred to sheltered housing units with a comprehensive package of care in situ -- home helps, meals on wheels and other outside agencies.

However, from experience, I can assure you that after these daily visits have taken place -- usually before midday -- the elderly can, and often do, find themselves isolated, frightened and lonely.

As a scheme manager in such a unit, I know that when an elderly person wakes in the early hours of the morning, afraid and lonely, there is no substitute for the immediate voice and touch of a caring, smiling care worker. An emergency cord or buzzer is a poor substitute.

It is imprudent of C Gillespie to believe that because these people are no longer in care that they will be living a happy and fulfilled life within a family unit. In most cases, the decision to place a family member into care takes a lot of heartache and soul searching.

As for the lack of visitors, it should be remembered that daughter, son, etc are probably out earning the money to provide for their relative's care.

I agree that not all families are willing to shoulder some of the responsibility for care of elderly relatives. This is not exclusive to the western culture, it happens in every culture.

Please spare a thought for all the relatives and professionals who do care but whose hands are tied. We are the ones who have to observe our loved ones and the elderly members of our communities struggling to maintain a fraction of dignity and self respect while trying to care for themselves.

One final point -- upheaval at any age is not an insignificant matter; it is soul-destroying and traumatic.

These views in no way indicate the views of my employers.

MRS P FLAHERTY, Scheme Manager, Brackendale, Albion Street, Blackburn.