Kirklees Council’s ‘modernisation’ of home care services brings misery says users

Oct 3 2009 by Katie Grant, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Kirklees Council’s ‘modernisation’ of home care services brings misery says users

TWO disabled men have spoken out against controversial changes to Kirklees Council’s home care service.

David Rogers and Grahame Schofield say someone needs to stick up for the vulnerable, sick and elderly across Kirklees who are being affected by the ‘modernisation’ of the service.

The alterations to carers’ rotas means many people paying for care in their homes are now being visited by strangers – instead of carers who’ve looked after them for years.

Wheelchair-bound David, of Skelmanthorpe, told the Examiner his new carers didn’t even know how to help him go to the toilet.

And many turned up at his house saying they didn’t know how to work his special pain-relief machine.

The 66-year-old, who was left immobilised after a stroke, said: “This has caused terrible distress for a lot of people and their carers.

“I find it quite easy to communicate, but there are a whole lot of people out there who won’t be able to do that – like those with dementia.

“It’s terrible. And it has really affected how I feel – I’ve been worried to death – it has brought me to tears.”

Grahame Schofield, of Newsome, suffers from Cerebral Palsy.

The 49-year-old needs help getting up and ready in the mornings.

Grahame had to say goodbye to the two carers who had looked after him for eight years.

He now has three sets of new carers.

Grahame said: “Now I have to wait for them to get me up at 10 in the morning – by the time you’re having your breakfast it’s about 11 o’clock.

“They are not used to me, my needs and routine. It’s very hard when you have lots of strangers coming into your home.

“Carers can go on strike, but disabled people can’t.

“What about those people who are scared in their own homes that can’t speak out about this?”

Graham pays £51 a week for help in his home.

He added: “We are paying for our care.

“It looks like Kirklees are putting things in place without consulting people and I feel there’s no care in the community anymore

“Kirklees are getting away scot-free because people are scared to speak out in case they lose their jobs or care.”

A spokesman for Kirklees Council said they were doing everything possible to minimise disruption.

He said: “We are ensuring there is continuity of care wherever possible and the staff who provide home care services will continue to give high standards of care and support.