A housebound pensioner has received an apology from Fife Council social work service after he accused them of “ignoring” him.
Len Pearce (84), of Strathmiglo, says he has had to pull the emergency alarm he wears around his neck numerous times because his home carer has not turned up to bring medication or help him to bed.
The widowed diaebetic, who uses a wheelchair, said that until seven weeks ago he had a regular home carer.
However, three weeks ago, this carer was relocated and Mr Pearce said he has had an erratic care experience ever since, forcing him to pull his emergency cord on several occasions.
The retired wood machinist and joiner said: “My carer is supposed to visit me twice a day in the morning and at night. In the morning, they give me a hand to put clothes on and sort my medication.
“In the evenings, they help me take off the special stockings I have to wear to support my legs.
“But it’s been totally irregular recently.
“I’ve phoned the office in Cupar when I’ve had problems in the morning and they say ‘someone is on their way’. But one night I didn’t get anyone until 10.30pm and they had to be sent from Dunfermline.
“When I raise the problem I just feel like I’m being ignored. But I know a lot of the staff are also frustrated, so I don’t blame them. They say it’s down to the system of scheduling.
“It upsets me and nobody can give me assurances that it’s going to settle down.”
Marion Bell, Fife Council Social Work Service manager, said: “We work with our service users to ensure the services delivered continue to meet their needs
“When we fall below our usual high standard, we will take immediate action to make sure the situation is rectified to the satisfaction of our service users.
“We have apologised to the gentleman for any disruption to his service. We are keeping in touch with him regularly to make sure his needs are being met.
“We are committed to ensuring that the well-being of service users is maintained at all times.”
malexander@thecourier.co.uk