I was saddened when I read Donal McIntyre's article (There should be a law against it, December 17). All we seem to read or hear about nowadays in respect of caring is non-caring and, too often, downright abuse. The observation that gave me most concern was the opinion that "this kind of assault ... is not uncommon".

I am not as disparaging about inspection processes, internal vigilance in homes and standards of care as MacIntyre. The disrespect and rough treatment meted out by the few is exaggerated by the media. There are too many checks and balances for it to be otherwise. Inspection standards are tough. Whistleblowers within the homes are increasingly numerous. Residents and visiting carers are more observant than MacIntyre allows, and more willing to speak out.

MacIntyre is as capable of over-egging as I, as chairman of a small community association that runs two charitable homes in north Dorset, am of playing down abuse of elderly people in homes.
Geoffrey Tapper,
chairman, Community Health Association, Shaftesbury

· Donal MacIntyre is of course right to identify abuse. It's a pity he can't think of any solutions other than tightening up the law and having even more "inquisitorial" inspections. What is needed is training and supervision based on values not rules.

Unfortunately, the present approach, based on law, regulation and inspection, has driven out value-led approaches. Carers are expected to behave well towards the people they support because of fear of punishment instead of because they see them as human beings. The only hope is to get training in value-led practice. The government's white paper on learning disability services, Valuing People, should provide a good basis for this; the Commission for Social Care Inspection will not.
Paul Williams,
Wiltshire

· One of the problems with the regulatory framework is that it only measures inputs. Any fool can arrange to demonstrate they have all the inputs correct in order to get high marks, but inputs only mean something when they are related to quality outcomes, and this is much more dependent on the long-term culture and values of an organisation.

If one is serious about excellent standards of care, then this can only be achieved through a sustained investment in training, support and supervision within a culture that values older people.

The sooner we can move to an outcome-based measurement system the sooner we can base financial rewards on excellent care. This is the only way to move forward.
Douglas Webb,
chief executive, and Brian Kennedy, head of care, Cornwall Care

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Wednesday January 7, 2004
The Guardian
http://society.guardian.co.uk/societyguardian/story/0,7843,1117029,00.html