A housebound pensioner fears he could lose his independence altogether after social services decided to halve the amount of home care he receives.
Concerns - James Sharpe, with the letter from the care Trust which assessed him. Picture: NICK OBANK (47260-1)
James Sharpe, 68, has three carers but can only afford one in the future - despite Essex County Council increasing the amount of care he has received in recent years.
Witham, Braintree and Halstead Care Trust assessed Mr Sharpe's need.
The county council says there is a huge demand for help and had carefully reviewed his situation before making the decision.
Mr Sharpe, of Hull Lane, Terling, has had debilitating rheumatoid arthritis for 12 years and was granted eight hours of care when he started using a wheelchair four years ago. This was raised to 28 hours and he now has three carers to look after him.
He said: "I've got to have a life, even though I'm disabled. I'm not going to have a life. I won't have anyone to push me around the village for a drop of fresh air and I won't have anyone for weekend cover. I think that's wrong."
An Essex County Council spokesman said social services were making every effort to support him.
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Published Tuesday, January 17, 2006
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