I wish to reply to the anonymous person who wrote "Rest homes are for care, not for profit" (Letters, October 24).

I and everyone else who read about the plight of Edith Pyett could not help but feel a great deal of sympathy for her and her family and disgust at her lack of care.

I am confident the reported home is under thorough investigation by the inspectors for the National Care Standards Commission.

However, I cannot agree with the correspondent's comment that all homes are run purely for profit and described as places "unfit to put even a pet dog in, let alone a relative".

Since the implementation of the Care Standards Act 2000, which came into force on April 1 this year, the law is strong enough to prevent abuse and neglect of elderly people who are entrusted to be cared for in our nursing homes.

To achieve and maintain high standards of care demands competent leadership and management and dedicated nursing staff.

Our staff have to undertake a minimum of three study days each year. In addition, all unqualified nursing staff have to undertake a recognised training course to achieve NVQ Levels 2 and 3.

This training is aimed specifically at care of elderly people and is held both in-house and at established training centres. The full cost of training is met by the nursing home and is expensive.

If they are to remain viable, all businesses must show a profit and this includes nursing homes.

New legislation, which we welcome, comes at an additional cost to home owners but responsible owners recognise the need to comply with new standards that include employment of professional and skilled staff who provide continuity of care.

I welcome the correspondent to visit the home I manage and observe for her or himself the work carried out by reliable, highly skilled and professional staff.

-Frances Mills, Manager, Patcham Nursing Home, Brighton