Man 'dreads' losing care for wife with Alzheimer's

Carole Morton, 67, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2020 and requires 24/7 care

A man whose wife has Alzheimer's has spoken of his deep concern at a decision to stop funding daily visits by carers.

Dave Morton, from Gosport, says he can "just about cope" with looking after his 67-year-old wife Carole thanks to the twice daily visits by professionals.

He has received a letter from the NHS which said funding for Carole's home visits was going to be stopped.

A spokesperson for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight said: "There may be times when an individual’s condition changes to the extent that they no longer meet the required eligibility criteria."

The twice daily visits by care professionals that Carole receives are to be stopped

The couple have been together since they were both 17 years old.

Carole was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2020 and she now requires 24/7 care.

Mr Morton, who takes regular pain medication for his back, said the one hour and 30 minutes of care that he and Carole receive every day is essential.

He said: "I would say without that care, we wouldn't be the same people. We need that care."

He added: "At the moment with the care that I'm getting, I'm managing to cope.

"Some days are good, some days are bad but if it was taken away I'd dread to think what would happen."

Mr Morton wants the new Labour government to urgently review care provision and argues that home carers help to reduce the strain on public finances.

"What you are saving by us keeping our loved ones at home and not putting them in homes for you to pay for, we're saving you millions," he said.

The couple have been together since they were both 17 years old

A spokesperson for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight said it was unable to comment on individual cases but added: “Continuing Healthcare is awarded to individuals who have a Primary Health Need, a concept developed by the Government.

"There may be times when an individual’s condition changes to the extent that they no longer meet the required eligibility criteria.

"In these situations, any remaining care and support needs will be assessed, and if appropriate met by the local authority or through other arrangements."