A MAN who has relied on the help of carers for 28 years has suddenly been left without due to a national shortage.

Michael Dyte, from Bridgwater, is disabled in a wheelchair has two trapped nerves in his spine and arthritis from his neck down. He is in a wheelchair and needs help to do daily tasks, such as get out of bed and wash and dress himself.

He also has diabetes and a nurse comes to visit once a day to help with medication.

For the last three years, the 68-year-old has relied on the help of Bluebird Care Sedgemoor & West Somerset, but a month ago they gave notice to say they could no longer provide home care for Mr Dyte.

The carers stopped coming to help on September 21, and Mr Dyte has not had any help - apart from a nurse who visits to administer his insulin - for days.

"I haven't got anybody to help me get out of bed to have a wash," said Mr Dyte.

"I just don’t know what else to do and I am getting uptight about it.

"My social worker has suggested another option is for me to move into a home, but that means I have to get rid of my dog - and I can't do that."

Mr Dyte has a social worker from Somerset County Council (SCC), who have said there is a national issue with a shortage of carers.

"Our care sector in Somerset does a fantastic job looking after vulnerable people," said a spokesperson for SCC.

"Social care is a sector which has historically experienced a high turnover, and this year, a combination of factors such as the impact of Covid-19, Brexit, and mandatory vaccination policies have led to increased vacancies."

Bluebird Care said they cannot comment on individual cases and did not state the reason for ending Mr Dyte's care.

A spokesperson for the company said: “We cannot comment on individual cases as to do so would breach our duty of confidentiality to the individuals and businesses concerned.

"Maintaining confidentiality is not only an ethical requirement for Bluebird Care, it is also a legal requirement as defined by UK data protection law."

SCC are appealing to people to help with care in their communities, and are launching an urgent care recruitment campaign next month.

“Care work is challenging, but it’s also very rewarding," added the spokesperson for SCC.

"There are lots of roles available, from caring for younger people with a learning disability, to helping people in residential care.

"We are asking people to help in whatever way they can to support care in their community – for more information, please visit: www.proudtocaresomerset.org.uk/jobs.

“Anyone in need of support can call 0300 123 2224 or visit https://www.somerset.gov.uk/contact-us/.”