WW2 PoW fighting to stay in home gets council care offer

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-32471877

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A survivor of the Nazi death march has been offered a council deal in an attempt to keep him out of a care home which he says would "remind him of being a prisoner of war".

Robbie Clark, 96, from Brent, north west London, was facing the move after spending his life savings on home care.

Brent Council has since offered to cover some of the costs of home care.

However, his family have disputed the offer, saying it does not entirely help Mr Clark.

His son Mike Clark said he wanted the council to carry out a proper assessment of his father's financial status.

"His money will run out in a couple of months and this offer has not been properly discussed with us," he added.

A petition in support of him staying in his home has attracted more than 187,000 signatures

Mr Clark, a survivor of the Nazi death march across eastern Europe, is blind, deaf in one ear and needs 24-hour care.

The great grandfather, who suffered "severe anxiety and distress" when he was held by the Nazis, had asked the council for a more expensive care package so he could stay at home.

He was given a Help for Heroes grant to enable him to stay in his home of 46-years in the short-term, while care options for the future were explored by the council.

A petition was set up through the 38 Degrees website in opposition of Mr Clark having to move to a care home.

Brent Council's Director for Adult Social Care Phil Porter said they would cover some of the cost of his care needed so he could stay at home, with the rest being set against the equity in his home.

"Our offer means Mr Clark can stay in his own home and receive the care which he wants through a live-in carer," he added.

"He won't have to worry about the cost, but neither will tax-payers have to foot all the bill."

His family have not accepted the council's latest offer and are seeking further discussions.