A BACKDATED bill for a carer's attendance allowance has meant that pensioner Joyce Robinson has become a prisoner in her own home.
"I have had to stop my home help. The backdated bill for several months came as a great shock and I just cannot afford it," said the Cinderford woman.
"I cannot get out of my house now and I have few neighbours or friends who can help me.
"It will be worse next month when I have to go into hospital for treatment for kidney stones. There will be no one at home to help when I get back.
"I just don't know they expect people to stay in their own homes – there must be many more like me who want to stay on with a bit of help but now it is too costly."
As reported in last week's Review the Lydney branch of the British Pensioners and Trades Union Action Association is calling for people to sign a petition to help elderly people.
It demands that all older people whether in residential care or in their own homes receive free nursing and personal care when they need it.
The association says this is a recommendation of the Royal Commission on long term care for the elderly set up by the new Labour government in 1997. It has been accepted by the Scottish parliament but only in part by the Labour Government.
However Mrs Robinson points out that many people in a similar position to herself cannot put their names to it if they can't get out of their homes.
People wanting to support the cause can write to Lydney branch secretary Claude Mickleson, 66 Lychgate Mews, Lydney GL15 5TJ, or call him on 01594 840114.