Angela Batty

This was a brave decision by Kate Garraway to show how inadequate the care system is to cope with loved ones at home. My husband had an accident at home nearly 4 years ago and our lives have changed utterly. He is now paraplegic and needs the help of 2 carers for most day to day care. Some days in bed and some in a wheelchair. The most difficult aspect of this change has been the lack of essential information which you need just to be able to manage to get by from day to day. The system is NOT joined up and I found it a very steep learning curve. I do what I can for my husband but I am NOT a natural carer and NOT a creature of habit which makes my lifestyle change all the more challenging. We are in a better place now with some local carers and not at the mercy of a private care company with badly trained staff. Incidentally, they withdrew all care 6 months ago at a weeks notice because of their lack of resources which they are legally able to do. I think that was one of my very low points !! I especially related to Derek coming out of hospital when there was such elation and hope. It was a false dawn for us when my husband came home as things will never be the same again. More should be done to explain to people how to get the essential care they need.