WHILE having every sympathy with the DCC at having to manage its budget and looking at new ways at working, one can't help having a cynical view of the suggestion to closing the majority of its residential and day care facilities.    

Since 2008 when privatisation was mooted and rejected, there has been a consistent lack of investment in up-to-date facilities, leading to the Catch 22 scenario of fewer people being referred and therefore the unit costs becoming disproportionate.   When day care fees were increased there was a 23% drop nationally in take up.  

The private sector might be able to absorb some residential care for those with a general need, but there is a substantial number of people with dementia who require something different and presently receive that at Harewood  House via excellent day care.   

They cannot be dispersed into ad hoc arrangements in residential homes, where at the very least security could be an issue.

Most thoughtful carers realise the value of social interaction and dementia-based practices for their loved ones, not necessarily gopping them out with Sky TV as Cllr Sellis imagines.

A collective centralised facility, with trained practitioners, is the only way forward for those who have a present need — and sadly for those who don't realise it now, the future.

Margaret Garton

Kaya, Yelverton

AFTER reading last week's lead story regarding the proposed closure of Tavistock's Harewood Day Centre I can only say I felt absolutely outraged.

Then as I read further down page, I could not believe the quote included from our so-called councillor Debo Sellis, who obviously has no idea of the service provided by the dedicated staff at the day centre, or of the complex needs that the majority of the service users suffer.

This councillor should spend a day at the centre, then maybe she will see for herself that there is no way that any of them would be able to choose 'line dancing' or 'going out for lunch' (unless disabled transport is provided and a staff member).

They could of course watch Sky at home but these people are lonely, isolated and disabled — they want to get out and see other people, and their carers are often desperately in need of a break.

Since this news has hit them they have been absolutely devastated and very worried about what the future holds for them.

Susan Atkinson

Orchard Close

Tavistock

I AM writing in connection with the possible closure of Harewood House in the very near future.

I have been attending Harewood House for many years and consider it to be an excellent day care centre. The staff are helpful and caring; also they make time to speak to all the clients. If you have any particular worries and mention them to the staff, they always try to help. I cannot praise them highly enough and would be quite lost without them. They are more like friends and someone you can turn to if you have a problem.

As for the day care centre itself, it is a real asset to Tavistock as it is a place the elderly can turn to for help and advice.

I live in a village with a very poor bus service and find the transport provided by Harewood really first class.

Harewood also provides clients with a very good mid-day meal. I must admit I quite often fall back on frozen meals which are, I suppose, adequate but do not compare in any way with a freshly cooked meal.

We are also provided with a very good hairdresser and chiropodist — an essential service.

There are lots of little extras provided by the very attentive staff, so I would beg Devon County Council to leave Harewood House out of the proposed alterations.

I and most of the clients are very happy with the place the way it is. To quote an old saying 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it!'

Patricia Bethell

Walkhampton

AS a service user at Tavistock's Harewood House day care centre, I am very concerned about the threat of its possible closure. For myself and all the friends I have made there over the years it would mean the loss of an excellent service and social centre for frail, elderly people in the district.

Nowhere else provides the same level of care where the carers escort elderly, disabled people from their homes and back again and dedicated staff cater for all needs, including personal care.

The alternative venues listed in Devon County Council's consultation document do not provide all the facilities needed by any means and do not match up at all.

Frail, elderly people would really miss the social aspect and the activities at the day centre. Also, in some cases, it gives the carer at home a much-needed break from their responsibilities.

If no real alternative is available, service users will be forced to remain at home. It is well known that loneliness and isolation leads to depression and ill health.

Harewood House offers door-to-door escorts, provision of an excellent two course lunch, varied activities and stimulation, plus the services of a hairdresser, chiropodist and personal care when required.

It is unthinkable that Harewood House, with its excellent reputation, should be allowed to close, leaving elderly, vulnerable people to seek alternative, fragmented and inadequate services elsewhere.

Mrs B Hasprey

Tavistock