PERHAPS not the start of a song but a cry from the heart from many elderly and disabled people who seek to employ their own care staff to enable them to continue caring for and living in their own homes. They need the comfort of seeing a familiar face either daily or weekly.

Caring for others can be such a rewarding occupation, with satisfaction both sides.

While we appreciate the umbrella of the care agencies in the area and they may be fine for emergencies and short term care, long term care needs a different approach. How do we attract those “angels” out there? Do they read the personal adverts in the papers? – so far in recent months I have experienced a nil response from local weeklies. Do they consult the local Job Centres and receive guidance from the staff?

The Local Authorities encourage elderly and disabled people to continue to live in their communities for as long as possible and provide funding accordingly.

Surely there must be some people out there who have some time to spare who would find great satisfaction in sharing a few hours helping another person continue to live an independent life.

Hazel J Dickson MBE

St Peters Road

Penarth