An elderly husband who has been his wife’s main carer for the past year is today concerned that the little help they receive from the council is under threat.

Sidney Snashall, of Limerick Close, Ipswich, spends his day looking after his bed-bound wife of 59 years, Veronica, undertaking shopping, cleaning, washing and feeding.

Mrs Snashall has a number of health problems, including a lesion on her spine, and last year she broke her leg, which has left her immobile.

Currently two carers tend to her in the morning for half an hour and one person comes in the evening to prepare her for bed.

But for the rest of the time, it is down to 81-year-old Mr Snashall to carry out the daily chores and care. However following a recent visit from an occupational therapist, sent on behalf of Suffolk County Council, it has been recommended that Mrs Snashall is provided with just one carer in the morning and one in the evening.

Speaking during Carers Week, Mr Snashall, who grew up in Ipswich after moving from London, said: “The two carers that come in the morning have to roll her over to wash her and sometimes have to use the hoist.

“The occupational therapist said that I could help one of the carers so the other one is not needed.

“I said ‘I’m 81’ and I already do so much. I have to do everything in the house. Us carers must save the country billions of pounds so it seems a shame they can’t let us have that bit of extra help.

“I would do anything for my wife but I do get tired and I have back problems.”

The couple are due to have a meeting with the council about the situation today.

A spokeswoman for the county council said: “When recommendations are made to change a care package and concerns or disagreements are raised by the individual or family, Suffolk County Council will always seek to review the recommendations and the concerns with the family before any changes are agreed or implemented.

“Care packages are regularly reviewed to ensure that the individuals involved are receiving the appropriate level of care dependent on their needs.”