A COUPLE who relied on the daily help of carers feel "deserted" after being left in the lurch without warning.

Julia Brown has suffered from Multiple Sclerosis for more than 30 years and now has the use of only one arm.

Devoted husband, Stuart, helps her get ready each morning for the day ahead which includes working with a series of leg exercises.

The retired couple live at Rectory Court, York, where a ceiling hoist is fitted in the bedroom to help lift Julia in and out of bed.

Two carers had provided Stuart some relief with looking after Julia's needs until pulling out a fortnight ago.

Stuart said: "We got a call from our care supplier saying our waterbed was causing concern for the carers having to put the hoisting strap on Julia."

He said the bed enabled Julia to have a good night's sleep.

However, the couple were suddenly left without care support, except a domestic helper for two hours a week.

A City of York Council spokeswoman confirmed that concern about the waterbed was one reason why the carers pulled out. She was unable to discuss other issues. Stuart has lodged a complaint with the council and will raise the issue at the council's Carers Strategy Group meeting this month.

"Why can carers give a moment's notice? They should give a fortnight so there's time to find someone else. We have been deserted. I am exhausted. Any new agency will have to do a risk assessment, then find staff," he said.

The council spokeswoman said: "We're disappointed the arrangements we had in place to support Mr and Mrs Brown have not worked out.

"The couple's dedicated care manager has been working closely with them to create a new care package that will fit their requirements.

"This will include new equipment and new carers.

"In the meantime, we are trying to set up interim measures, to help Mr Brown until a permanent solution can be put in place."

Updated: 10:51 Wednesday, November 16, 2005