We talked to Mr. Smith during our time in West Somerset to hear his story about taking care of his wife. We spent time with him for four months at the end of 2024.

Caring for a loved one with mobility challenges is a full-time commitment, a reality faced daily by Mr. Smith, a 77-year-old primary caregiver to his wife, Mrs. Smith. At the age when most people are enjoying a slower pace of life, Mr Smith’s days are filled with healthcare appointments, coordinating home visits, and managing the complexities of medical equipment.
This blog explores the couple’s experiences with the healthcare system, highlighting both the support they receive and the challenges they continue to face.
The Financial Strain of Mobility Aids
One of the aspects of Mrs. Smith’s care involves specialised mobility aids. The couple secured essential equipment from Mediquip, including a hospital bed, loo riser, and a Zimmer frame. However, the financial burden of acquiring a wheelchair and installing ramps for access to their home fell on them. Mr. Smith went onto explain that they had some savings that they were able to use, the wheelchair cost £1,000. Despite these expenses, Mr. Smith acknowledges that the £9.00 donation they pay for Mrs. Smith’s daily personal care assistance is reasonable, and they are glad of the support which provides some respite for Mr. Smith.
Hospitalisation, Discharge, Transfers of Care: Gaps in support
In November of 2023, Mrs. Smith experienced a fall inside their home. The couple were impressed with the prompt ambulance response, which arrived within 15 minutes. During Mrs. Smith’s hospital stay, she had her wounds tended and multiple arthritis injections. However, the experience post-hospitalisation was less positive. Upon discharge, Mrs. Smith was released without a care plan or transportation arrangements back to their home in Porlock, fortunately, Mr. Smith was able to drive and ensure his wife’s safe return.
Ambulance Wait Times: A Mixed Experience
The couple has faced varying ambulance response times over the years. While the initial response to Mrs. Smith’s first fall was swift, a subsequent fall required a grueling two-hour wait. Moreover, Mr. Smith recalls two additional ambulance calls over the past three years, with wait times ranging from five to seven hours, which caused anxiety for the couple.
Wound Care Complications
Another healthcare challenge arose from a wound care incident. Mrs. Smith developed a wound on her leg that was dressed, but later began seeping fluid. Despite a visit from a nurse, the wound dressing was not checked. When Mrs. Smith was hospitalised, the wound was discoloured which was the effect of a seaweed dressing, it was also found to be weeping and in a poor state. Despite this setback Mr. Smith commended the hospital staff for the overall quality of care they provided, but this visit could have been prevented if Mrs. Smith’s wound had been checked whilst at their home.
Key Challenges and Takeaways
Mr. and Mrs. Smith’s story sheds light on several critical issues in the healthcare system, including:
Timely Access to Healthcare: The couple generally experience prompt doctors appointments and reliable home visits, which are vital for managing chromic conditions.
Financial Burden of Mobility Aids: Out-of-pocket expenses for essential equipment add financial stress.
Hospital Discharge Planning: The absence of a care plan or transport upon discharge presents a gap in continuity of care.
Ambulance Response Time: Extended wait times during emergencies can have serious health consequences, creating stress for both the patient and caregiver.
Wound Care Management: Inadequate wound care oversight led to complications.
A follow–up with Mr. Smith: Addressing the struggles of a Carer in Minehead in November 2024

Healthwatch Somerset visited a carers’ group in Minehead, where we had the opportunity to catch up with Mr. Smith, a dedicated carer whom we first met back in August 24.
This follow-up visit revealed just how complex and challenging the caregiving journey can be.
Mr. Smith shared a distressing experience that took place around Mid-October 2024. His wife suffered a fall inside their home, becoming trapped when she landed on top of her Zimmer frame.
The impact caused painful cuts under her armpits, and despite Mr. Smith’s best efforts, he found himself unable to lift her due to her size. Realising the gravity of the situation, he called for an ambulance, which had an estimated wait time of an hour.
When the paramedics arrived, their efforts to help Mrs. Smith proved insufficient. Lifting her was too challenging for the two paramedics, and they advised Mr. Smith to call the fire service for additional support. Thankfully, the fire service arrived within ten minutes and successfully helped lift Mrs. Smith back onto her bed.
However, the incident did not end there. The paramedics voiced concerns about Mrs. Smith’s hospital bed, noting that it was too small, making it impossible to turn her properly. They recommended that Mr. Smith contact Mediquip to arrange a more suitable bed. Mediquip, a supplier of mobility aids and essential equipment, agreed to provide the necessary bed but mentioned that an occupational therapist should be present during the installation of the hospital bed.
Despite placing an order in mid- October, Mr. Smith expressed his growing frustration, by the time of our visit in mid – November, the new bed had yet to arrive. The prolonged wait has caused both stress and worry for Mr. Smith.
We will keep in touch with Mr Smith.
We would like to thank him and his wife for sharing their story which highlights the challenges faced on a regular basis by carers navigating the health and social care system.