Without respite carers would get no social life
How health cuts affect the sick, the disabled, war veterans, carers, the elderly and people with mental health problems
by David Lea, Daily Mirror 11/03/2011
DEREK Hamer, 47, and his wife Susan, 45, are full-time carers for their disabled 16-year-old son Matthew.
Matthew has severe delayed global development and spends his time at home in Preston, Lancs.
But for one night every fortnight, Derek and Susan get a break when their son stays at the Bungalow Centre in Fulwood, Preston, for respite care.
Now, however, councillors have voted to close at least one of the respite centres in the region, and more are threatened with the axe.
Derek said: “If Matthew did not have it, he’d have no social life.
“Without respite we would be at our wits’ end. We can recharge our batteries and it gives Emma, our daughter, some time to herself.
“The staff at the Bungalow are friends – they love Matthew. But the problems are already hurting him as he is picking up on what we’re doing to try to save the centre.”
Lancashire County Council said: “The closure of centres will not constitute a reduction of services as alternative services will be provided through other means.”
