Learning disability - cuts to services

Annasp

Has anybody else been subject to the following...?
My son has Down’s Syndrome and requires 24 hour care.   I am his carer, a single mother in her 60’s who works.
My Council provided funding for my son to go to college and a centre so that I could continue to work and there is  a system where my son pays towards his care - a set amount based on his benefits.
My son has had savage cuts to his care meaning that he no longer receives enough support for me to do my hours at work, but he is still expected to pay the same amounts under “ co-funding” as he did when receiving day care for five days per week. Care is now only two days per week.
My son is very confused and unhappy - his Centre now only takes people with more severe disabilities. He misses the group so much. The whole situation is heartbreaking 

[Deleted User]

Is this due to covid19 ?  or due to general cuts?  have you spoken to social services?

Annasp

Thank you.  This is not due to Covid, the local Centre is no longer accepting people without severe disabilities, whereas previously it was available to all local people with a learning disability.  . My Social worker gave me the news, and advised that the only current alternative care is for someone ( a “Personal Assistant” )  to come to my house for up to two hours to help with my son

pramsay13

If your son has his own budget he could employ someone to go out with for social activities. 
There is only a limited budget and councils are having to make savings in every department, but unfortunately this can affect people quite drastically. 

williewonder

This has happened in Nottinghamshire as well. People with Learning Disabilities are having their funding reduced/packages cut and having to make a large contribution towards their package, often taking all the PIP Care allowance. I know quite a few people who are struggling now. I'm lucky as I'm covered by section 117 so don't need to contribute towards care. 

Annasp

You have to pay based on your PIP allowance, they then reduce your services but not your contributions.  It is disgusting that vulnerable people are at the butt of cuts, and I include all vulnerable people including the elderly,  - we were “consulted “ about what we wanted for our people with special needs and it was all PR as the day services were withdrawn but not properly replaced except with someone coming into your house for two hours which in our case is totally unsuitable. These people need independence and company.  My son misses everyone so much and talks about them all the time