After reading quite a lot of negative press regarding the quality of care in some care homes, I would like to let you know my experience.

My wife, who is 82 and has been diagnosed with dementia, has been living at Castle Dene Care Home since May last year.

Over the Christmas period I stayed with her and have nothing but praise for all of the staff who work there.

They are all very caring and spend a lot of time listening to the residents, ensuring that their individual needs – both physical and emotional – are met.

They are all very aware of the residents’ need for privacy and are very careful to try to maintain the residents’ dignity at all times.

Entertainment is regularly laid on and even if my wife does not wish to attend, they pop in to chat to her in her room as much as possible.

As for the food, in my wife’s words ‘it is super’.

Andrew Devenish Eventide Homes, Bournemouth