"Support Living Accommodation"

My husband who suffers from MS & Parkinsons at present is living in Support Living Accommodation based in Okehampton. Having moved from his home and having lived here for 30 years you can imagine how hard it was.

The last two weeks have been hell for both myself and my husband. I have today received the following letter.

"As you are aware, we have worked closely with a range of specialists to ensure that appropriate equipment is in place for my husband's personal health and wellbeing. However, despite this, our staff have experienced injuries due to the frequency and repetitive nature of the moving and handling. These has become an increasing concern as a large number of the team have been off sick and are subsequently unable to perform the tasks required in these daily routines.

It is with regret, therefore, that we feel unable to continue to provide the personal care element of your package, and hereby give you notice from today's date. I can assure you that this is no way affects your tenancy at Acorns and we are happy to continue to provide the support elements (food, laundry etc). We have been in discussions with your social workers to explore options including working with other domiciliary agencies and will continue to work with them to source suitable arrangements".

As everybody is aware finding another company to come in and do personal health care is no mean task. We are facing the same difficulties which arose when he was at home. Carers not turning up on time, different carers every day, my husband having to explain how things are done over and over again, no help during the day, having to wait for the carers to come in to resolve problems he is having.

This is very difficult to understand considering that they are quite a large organisation. I have been signed off for a month due to stress, my husband is worried sick.

If anybody is considering going into support living with this company I suggest they think twice as we feel our hopes and their promises to look after him broken.

As for the staff experiencing injuries, I believe that the staff members in question sustained their injuries outside of working hours within their own homes.