print this page
"I look after my husband, Robert who has had MS for 30 years. He needs help with most activities of daily living and I care for him round the clock.
Last year I had what felt like a weekend from hell. A routine operation had revealed that I had a serious heart condition which would require further treatment. I was sent home by doctors to get complete rest and told to avoid any stress. Social services got in touch to say that as I had used up my allocation of respite care they were sending my husband back home. I told them that I was seriously ill, but this fell on deaf ears - I was told that I had used up my services and that was that.
I was still suffering chest pains and I was worried sick about lifting him and what this would do to my heart. I spent 2 days constantly battling with my local authority. Eventually I managed to speak to a senior manager who agreed to allow my husband as extra two weeks respite care - but I would have to pay for this myself.
My story does not end there. I have been in hospital again for stomach surgery. This time when I came home from hospital I found out my services had been cut. Surely this should not be happening in this day and age?
Helen, a carer from Rugby
Carers UK hears too often about the traumatic experiences of carers, like Helen, who are left with little or not support, puting their health at risk even to the point of threatening their lives.
The Human Rights Act protects the human rights of every person in the UK. Helen's story suggests that her rights may have been infringed under the Human Rights Act.
Helen's case is not unique. Research commissioned by Carers UK has found numerous cases where it appears that carers' human rights are being violated. This points to a social care system which is falling short of accepted human rights standards with devastating consequences for carers' lives.
