AN ELDERLY couple say they could have to wait months to be assessed for support.
Frank and Muriel Evans, of Mold, who both have health issues, were told by social services there was a nine-month waiting list.
Mr Evans has suffered from Parkinson’s disease for six years and has had both ankles joints in replaced. He also suffered a stroke last year.
He is cared for by his 81-year-old wife who is also very frail.
Mrs Evans has suffered a broken hip, had operations on her hands and feet and also has heart problems
Mr Evans said the vulnerable couple were close to “running on empty.”
The 76-year-old said: “My wife has to help me with getting dressed, with washing sometimes and eating my food.
“If I bend down I could fall over therefore I can’t wash my feet.
“One of my ankles was infected after the surgery and we had to go and have that sorted out which took three months.
“I need to keep them clean to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
Mr Evans said social services told him to use a long handled brush to clean in the shower.
He added: “They also said we can put a stool in the shower but the shower isn’t big enough so that can’t be done.
“I can’t use a bath either because we haven’t got one. We took it out because my wife couldn’t get out after she broke her hip.”
Mr Evans said the couple were surprised to learn how long they would have to wait.
He said: “It is just someone to come round and see if I need help or not. The worst thing is that it is nine months for everyone and that’s scary.
“I won’t be able to go out, I won’t be able to do anything.
“All I really want is to be given somewhere to have a bath.”
Alwyn Jones, Flintshire Council's head of adult services, said occupational therapists have deemed the couple’s situation as low priority.
He said: “While Mr and Mrs Evans were initially told they would have to wait up to nine months for this assessment we expect they will wait no longer than six months due to improvements in our current waiting list.
“A social work assessment of Mr and Mrs Evans’ care needs will be carried out within one month.
“If it is assessed that they require care or support at this point we will make the appropriate arrangements.”
He added if the couple’s situation was to change the council would review their position on the waiting list.