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14

Jan 2024

Last Updated: 14/01/2024

Disabled Ripon man 'left without care for days'

by Flora Grafton

| 14 Jan, 2024
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daniel-abel

A disabled Ripon man has claimed he was left without care for several days last week.

Daniel Abel, 39, who has cerebral palsy, requires full-time at-home care and is currently under the provision of North Yorkshire Council's care department.

Under his current plan, carers look after Mr Abel from 8:30am to 12:30pm and from 6pm to 10pm every day.

However, he told the Stray Ferret he had to rely on friends and family last week after his carers did not return following a disagreement on Wednesday, January 3.

Mr Abel said there was a language barrier with his carers which led to frustration.

He added:

“They struggled to understand me when I was asking for a cup of tea.
“I admit I’m not perfect; the frustration slipped out and I said things I shouldn’t have said. We got in an argument but now I’m left without care.
“All I’m asking is for basic care and not to be treated like I am some idiot.”


Richard Webb, the council’s corporate director of health and adult services, said in response to Mr Abel’s situation:

“Whilst we are unable to comment on the details of individual cases, we always work proactively with individuals and their families where appropriate to look at all their support options.”


Mr Abel has since been placed under the care of a new provider, which is overseen by North Yorkshire Council.

He told the Stray Ferret he began receiving care again on Wednesday, January 10 and that it went "very well".

"I'm aware I haven't made this situation easy for myself or for the council. But I'm not doing this just for me, I'm doing it for the people that feel they can't speak up."


Unable to eat, drink or use the toilet


This is not the first time Mr Abel has said he has been left alone for long periods of time.

In September 2021, the Stray Ferret reported on acute staff shortages in the care sector, which forced Mr Abel to be left by himself for up to 12 hours.

After being discharged by a private sector care provider, he came under the care of the council.

However, as his final carer came at 8pm to put him to bed, he remained there for almost 12 hours unable to eat, drink or go to the toilet.




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