IN response to the letters in the Times of February 27, about the comments printed on the front page of the Times on February 20, I was commenting on why numbers using day centres were falling.

The personalised budgets are, in some cases being spent on Sky TV and line dancing, because some people who fit the criteria to receive a budget choose to spend it this way rather than use a day centre.

 Sue Atkinson, I am not at all surprised you were outraged if you think I lack experience or knowledge of care that is given to those who need it.

For your information, I nursed for over 30 years as a registered nurse and have experienced working in nursing and residential homes and in day centres.

My family have used and enjoyed help in centres, plus I, like many of us, am affected by relatives who have disability and dementia.

 If you refer to the end of my comments in the report you will see that I emphasised 'that changes will be done with the utmost sensitivity for those vulnerable people using the services ... they were a lifeline.'

 I added that 'as a council these are horrible times we are experiencing' referring to being tasked with reducing the crippling inherited debt where our country was four days from bankruptcy.

 

Debo Sellis

County Councillor

SRN (Rtd)