AN Alzheimer’s sufferer is being denied care because he is too young, his family claim.

Ricky Firth, 59, was diagnosed with the degenerative brain disease three-and-a-half years ago but has declined rapidly since the start of the year.

The former fork-lift truck driver cannot get himself dressed or make a cup of tea and needs round-the-clock care. His family also has to keep a constant eye on him or he would wander out of the house.

The grandad is being looked after by his ex-wife and daughter, who are both on sick leave, at their home on Rowan Drive, Gawber. “He’s confused all the time and can’t do anything for himself. We have to wash him, shave him, help him get dressed and remind him to eat. He couldn’t cook anything for himself, he can’t even make a drink,” said Sarah, 34, a nurse at Barnsley Hospital.

“It’s heartbreaking to see him with Alzheimer’s, especially when he is so young. All he likes to do is sing and dance but there’s no one that can put up with it. I’ve had to take time off work and could lose my job but it wouldn’t be right going to care for other people and leaving mum on her own to look after dad.”

The mum-of-one said social services had refused to give him a full-time carer because it would be too expensive.

The council’s assistant director for vulnerable adults Kath Harris said people were treated on an individual basis. “The council’s assessment and care management team provides individualised support plans based on assessed need. We can confirm that social services are involved with this service user and his carers to meet their needs and provide support. For reasons of client confidentiality we are unable to comment further.”