MUCH has been in the papers and on television lately about the care of the elderly in our hospitals, particularly those nearing the end of their lives.

As a trained SEN I find this very sad. I did four years in geriatrics, and it was a job I adored.

The most important things we were taught about were dignity and compassion.

I physically couldn’t nurse now, and neither would I want to, but I wonder now if staff are taught those two words.

Patients may be old, likely to be confused, and sometimes violent, incontinent and unable to wash, dress or feed themselves, but they need compassion and dignity.

However short of staff hospitals are, this should never be forgotten.

Even confused patients have a degree of memory, as one of my elderly ladies proved many years after I met her in a nursing home I was visiting.

My usual job involved getting her to eat; she required feeding and was known to be difficult with food. A little compassion and care was rewarded with great appreciation.

The experience brought tears to my eyes. Now tears come to my eyes with the lack of care with which some of our elderly are treated.

I have chronic joint problems and dread becoming unable to care for myself.

Bring back the compassion and care to nursing, after all, that is why people join the profession. It’s not just a job.

Remember, we will all be old some day.

DOROTHY HOLLOWAY, Wenrisc Drive, Minster Lovell, Witney