Basingstoke man received 'no support' for decade as carer

Matthew Langfear, 53, a former plant controller from Oakridge, stepped up to become a full-time home carer for his grandfather, James Langfear, 97, a former engineer at Lancing Bagnall, when he became unable to look after himself 10 years ago.

In that time, Matthew says he has only had three respite breaks and has received "no support" from Hampshire County Council's Adult Services. Because of this, he has now registered a complaint with the ombudsman.

He said: "Adult Services don't respect the Carers Act. They don't provide support. I've only had three respite breaks in 10 years.

James (left) on his 94th birthday, with Matthew (Image: Matthew Langfear)

"There is no understanding, no empathy and no compassion - it's absolutely brutal.

"It's been like climbing Mount Everest on my own, and it's a sad story that could have been avoided."

Matthew, who has raised concerns over the years, believes these have not been fully addressed and that there are "systemic and cultural failures" in the services available to support older adults. He added that despite requesting help to alleviate the workload, he had been left to care for his grandfather entirely by himself.

"They are supposed to protect and help us, but they've just done the opposite.

"My physical and mental health have suffered beyond even talking about it. I have my own traumas from doing this alone, but I am overwhelmed with the amount of pride. I think it takes a certain type of person to do what I have," he added.

Mr Langfear explained that his love for his grandfather is what drove him to continue on his own, despite not receiving support.

He said: "He has been a role model to me since I was a child, he's the best grandad anyone could ever have.

"I wanted to give something back by looking after him. He's just an amazing human being, and I'm thankful I've had the relationship with him that I have, but it's at a cost.

"They take no accountability, we get no answers to concerns, it's always a generic response.

"They have totally let me down."

Matthew said his grandfather James, who moved to Basingstoke in the 1950s, is a "real grafter, which is why he's lasted as long as he has". In October, James was admitted to hospital with bone cancer and pneumonia, and remains in its care at the time of writing.

Mr Langfear explained that he wants to raise awareness for the lack of support that full-time home carers like himself are receiving.

"It's too important not to talk about these issues, other people need to know about it and have a voice because Adult Services cut mine out.

"We are the unsung heroes, and if they can do this to me, who knows how they are treating other people," he added.

A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council said: "We are sorry to hear of these concerns. While we do not comment on individual cases, we would emphasise that we try as hard as we can to provide the right support to those who care for others, as we understand the challenges they can face. Supporting carers’ mental and physical wellbeing is a priority for us, and that includes creating opportunities for taking a break.

"Through the Hampshire Carer Support Service - funded by the Local Authority and delivered by the Princess Royal Trust for Carers, we've been able to support more than 10,000 carers over the past year. This includes practical assistance, advice, information and guidance about how to access local services and support.

“We would encourage those in an unpaid caring role to explore the help available by visiting the County Council's website, and that anyone in receipt of support, arranged directly by the Local Authority and who has queries relating to this, to contact us direct.”

Support for carers | Health and social care | Hampshire County Council