THESE are just 'fly-on-the-wall' comments after visiting one of our local nursing homes - you know, the sort where you are treated with dignity by caring staff.

We sit here all day long, the television blaring out, the smell of incontinence surrounds us. At meal times, I am told to eat all my dinner or I do not get a pudding. How on earth do I eat my dinner with no teeth in my head?

My teeth have 'gone missing.' Nobody knows, nobody cares. But who are 'they' to tell me I can't have a pudding? Power gone to their heads.

I am also told not to ask for a trip to the toilet while meals are being served. I cannot control such things, when I want to go, I want to go now, and not in half an hour, when 'they' decide the time is right.

They bring me a cup of tea and I am not aware it's there, or it is put out of my reach. Later, they take it away with the words "you didn't want your tea, then?"

My clothes go missing, even though my name is in them. I am in here to be 'looked after,' 'taken care of.' This, my friend, is my 'home.'

I challenge you all, all nursing home/care home staff to try it for one week. Sit here all day - no teeth, told when to go to the loo and then be told your favourite dress or cardigan, etc, has gone missing.

Try chewing roast lamb or beef with just your gums to help you. Sounds funny, but, believe me, it's no joke. Try it and see, but remember, as yet, you can go home.

I have no alternative as this is my home. One day it may be yours. Don't say I didn't warn you.

MAUREEN ARMFIELD (Mrs), Marlborough Road, Accrington.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.