IN response to the letter written by Allen Forster about the care arrangements for his 96-year-old mother (HAS, Feb 18), while it would not be right to comment on someone’s personal circumstances I feel it is important to allay any concerns people may have regarding how care and support packages are managed to fit the particular needs of any person.

Before producing a care or support plan a comprehensive assessment of that person’s needs is carried out to ensure all requirements are properly met.

This assessment takes into account the person’s care and support needs whilst ensuring they can retain the maximum level of independence, helping them to stay in their home for as long as possible.

Support is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains at the correct level and all options are explored including residential provision and rehabilitation services.

Admitting a person to a permanent residential home care is a very big step for the person involved and their family and, as such, it is right to consider all alternatives first, such as helping people to return to as normal a lifestyle as possible following serious illness, intermediate care, domiciliary care and telecare.

Regular reviews are provided as part of the care management process to make sure that the person’s needs are monitored so that adjustments can be made to the care package if this proves necessary.

Lesley Jeavons, head of adult care, Durham County Council.