Couple in home car nightmare

Catherine Wilson said it was ‘a mystery’ why her husband Gordon’s care had gone up.

But she refuses to disclose the necessary financial details to the council that could see the couple receive extra benefits.

Mrs Wilson, 86, has suffered two strokes, a broken femur and has poor eyesight, while Mr Wilson, 83, has a muscle wasting disease.

Mrs Wilson said: “How can they justify this? At the moment we can cope – just. The only way I can see of dealing with this is to take away my care.”

Mr Wilson’s care bill has risen by more than £100 to £320.83, making a total weekly bill for them both of £426.

Mrs Wilson said the couple, who have been married for 50 years, have care workers in their Vicarage Meadow home for just under an hour-and-a-half each day.

But she said she was uncomfortable handing over personal financial details to the council.

She added: “I don’t see why I should tell them how much money I have. I have friends at the council and I don’t want them knowing.

“It’s wrong to assume I have money in the bank. We have never owed anybody anything and we have never asked for a penny. Why are the punishing me like this? It’s dreadful.”

A Kirklees Council spokesman said: “We have contacted Mr and Mrs Wilson to offer them a financial assessment again. We offer everyone who has been assessed in need of adult social care support a financial assessment to make sure they are aware of all of their benefit entitlements.

“Some people choose not to have a financial assessment and decide instead to pay the full cost of their care services.”