Sussex carer trapped at home for four years due to lack of affordable respite
Ann Jeffrey says two weeks for her mum in a care home would cost thousands that she can't afford
A Crawley unpaid carer says she's not been able to properly leave the house in four years because of a lack of respite.
Ann Jeffrey left her job to become a full time carer for her mum, who has Alzheimer's when lockdown hit.
Without wanting to spend her mum's assets, she says her carer's allowance of under a £100 a week won't cover a temporary space in a care home, which she adds can cost £3,000 for just two weeks.
However, as her mum is immobile, there's also no option for supervision beyond a couple of hours.
Ann says that's "not enough to give your head any real downtime."
She told Greatest Hits Radio Sussex:
"More places with temporary respite would be useful, but when you get past a certain level of care, it isn't there.
"You just keep it all in there. I know when everything is all said and done, I'm not going to be in a good place.
"At the moment I can maintain the level that I'm on - much more on top, I don't know.
"And then - there is no one."
Ann says an inability to access respite means she's missed important life events, such as her childrens' graduation.
She told us: "I can't just say I'd like to go to one of my children's graduations, can someone look after mum for the afternoon?
"No. Mum can't stand up . There is no one to help."
In a statement, a West Sussex County Council spokesperson said:
“We value the role of unpaid carers immensely and the role they play in helping their loved ones to live independently.
"There is support available for carers and we encourage anyone who is struggling to access the free support we commission via Carers Support West Sussex.
"Age UK and Citizens Advice also offer advice around navigating benefits that are available nationally.
"When there are changes in someone’s circumstances or need for help, we advise carers to contact the council or relevant agency to discuss further support.”