A SECOND World War veteran is on a one-man crusade to change the public’s perception of care homes.

Norman Raven, 91, who lives at Wroughton’s Ladymead care home, was incensed by a recent national newspaper article labelling care homes overpopulated and simply “factories for the elderly”.

He said: “I think it’s disgusting and disturbing to read something so totally untrue. It’s as if the elderly don’t matter, when here we are looked after so well.

"I knew I had to say something because it’s true for here, at least, that we do get looked after very well.

“People will get the wrong impression from reading something like that and be worried about their parents or grandparents being in a home. But I enjoy it very much here, more than I thought I would.”

The article published in the Daily Express alleged the elderly were being forced into “factory style” care homes where greater profits can be made.

It followed a report by Healthcare Property Consultants which said the number of over-85s in the UK is expected to grow from 1.63 million today to 2.84 million by 2030.

There are now 400 fewer care homes now than in 2011 yet the number of beds has remained steady at around 425,000.

Former salesman and a Swindon resident for more than 90 years, Norman first went into a care home four years ago after his beloved wife Beryl passed away.

Norman who suffers from Parkinson’s, which leaves him confined to a wheelchair. But he said the staff at Ladymead eased his transition to the home.

“It’s the spirit of Ladymead: the friendships you have with the staff, the activities that we all do together," he said. "There’s bingo, there’s quizzes, dominoes, sherry mornings. There’s a real community atmosphere and I’ve made some good friends.”

The nonagenarian said the care he receives at Ladymead is exceptional, changing his perception on care homes.

“I’ve been in three before and this is by far the best. They make an effort to have a relationship with us and they’re like friends," he said.

“They have so many activities for people to get involved in too.”

The former RAF flight engineer spent years travelling the world during WWII before settling down to enjoy family life with his wife of 60 years Beryl and children Lynn and Brian.

THe four-year resident said that he had witnessed some major changes in the town during his lifetimein his 90-year stint.

“Swindon used to be a traditional, funny old place but I wouldn’t recognise it today. It’s changed beyond belief,” he said.

Into his 10th decade, Norman retains a love for snooker, Formula One, cricket and spending time with his five grandchildren and great-grandchildren.