Six-month care dispute is over as MP wades in on row

Last year the Rasen Mail revealed how care home resident Isobel Law had been battling with Lincolnshire County Council since the end of June to get a home care package so she could return to her Market Rasen 
bungalow.

Isobel’s daughter Julia Law claimed the council was paying a staggering £450 a week for her mum to stay in The Laurels care home at Holton cum Beckering - despite the fact she did not need to be there.

Feeling desperate, Julia contacted MP Sir Edward Leigh who she says wrote to LCC on January 4.

And three days later the family say they received a call from the council saying a home care package had become 
available.

Julia said: “I’m absolutely astounded - days after the letter from Sir Edward .

“It’s just amazing that it was so quick, it’s 
remarkable.

“I’m relieved because she was getting quite 
desperate.

“She’s really thrilled to be at home - and that makes us feel a lot better.

“Mum is very grateful to Sir Edward Leigh for his 
help.”

And Sir Edward says he was happy to put a ‘bit of pressure’ on the council.

He said: “I am very happy to help people who live in the constituency where I can and delighted that Mrs Law has been found the care package that is right for her.

“If a little bit of pressure from me has helped sort the matter then I am pleased to have become 
involved.”

Speaking to the Rasen Mail back in December, Julia questioned the economic sense of the council’s 
decision.

She said: “It’s a ridiculous situation. All the cutbacks, all the money savings and then they’re (LCC) throwing money away on a care home that is unnecessary.

“It would cost a lot less to employ someone to help her.

“It’s bonkers, absolutely bonkers.”

Lincolnshire County Council adult frailty and long term conditions manager, Carolyn Nice, said: “In this particular instance we are pleased to confirm that the lady concerned is now back at home receiving home 
care.

“Our priority is to continue to make sure that people are safe and their needs are being 
met.

“Sometimes that means offering a period of respite care in a residential home while a home care package is arranged.

“We work to get people home as quickly as possible and we assess people on an individual basis.

“Our assessment teams look at the individual’s needs and what other support they have in place, and those people with the highest needs and least support are prioritised for care packages.

“Social workers are on hand to work closely with the person and their family throughout.”

Original story

Thousands wasted on care home bills