A BALLOCH resident has been left "terrified" after finding out her 24-hour care is being cut.
Pamela Marno, 47, was born with cerebral palsy and has received round-the-clock assistance from West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership (WDHSCP) over the last 20 years, since moving into her own home.
Pamela's support was reviewed by a social care worker on April 10 and her My Life assessment was presented to the HSCP Adult Resource Group.
A decision was then made for there to be a reduction in her care hours.
The service is paid for through the Independent Living Fund, however, Pamela's family were informed last month that she will no longer have a carer present overnight, between 11pm and 7am, as well as another two hours throughout the day from Saturday, July 15.
A community alarm system has been made available if there is a situation where Pamela feels the need for support during these times.
However, her family do not feel this is an adequate replacement and have expressed their anger at the move.
(Image: Colin Mearns) Her brother James said: "Pamela’s mental health has really deteriorated and she has had to go to the doctor.
"She has a fear of being locked in on her own and is entirely reliant on others.
"Since she moved into her own home, and was receiving the correct amount of care over the last 20 years, she has been really happy.
"However, now these cuts are happening without any input from us or Pamela.
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"We have not been able to raise our concerns and she is desperate to be heard to get across how much stress this will cause her.
"It is terrifying to think what would happen if she had no family."
(Image: Colin Mearns) James insists Pamela is well aware of what is going on and that the news of the reduction in care is already having a detrimental impact.
"This has all been done through letters to an address that these people [HSCP Adult Resource Group] have never been to and they are making recommendations to an individual they have never met," she continued.
"The reality is Pamela’s health has been severely affected by this.
"She isn’t sleeping and is constantly terrified her carers are going to leave her.
"She was so distressed after learning the news [about her care being cut] last month that she choked on her food and an ambulance had to be called after she was lifted out of her chair and put into the recovery position.
"Paramedics had to come to her house and this is just what the news of the change has done to her.
"This will have a drastic effect on the quality of Pamela's life."
A spokesperson for WDHSCP said: "We are sorry to hear that Ms Marno’s family is unhappy with changes to the care she receives.
(Image: Colin Mearns) “Following a recent review of Ms Marno’s care by experienced social work professionals, a new care plan was developed.
“We are confident that this will continue to safely meet Ms Marno’s needs, and we will continue to offer support and guidance to her and her family while these changes take effect.”
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