A family is appealing the decision to keep a Gorleston woman in a Bungay care home longer than originally agreed.

Following a stay at James Paget University Hospital for medication issues, Christine Lee, 75, was sent to All Hallows care home in Bungay for a 28-day assessment last August.

Almost a year later, Ms Lee remains at the care home. 

But her family has contacted the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman in the hope she will be able to return to a more independent life at her sheltered accommodation, St Augustine's Place housing with care scheme.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Christine Lee (right) with her granddaughter Amelia outside St Augustine’s Place. Picture - SubmittedChristine Lee (right) with her granddaughter Amelia outside St Augustine’s Place. Picture - Submitted (Image: Submitted)

Norfolk County Council said Ms Lee is getting the best care available, but it apologised for "some issues" with Ms Lee's assessment and communication.

Ms Lee has lived with multiple sclerosis (MS) for 25 years. While she was living at St Augustine's Place - which offers 24-hour care according to its brochure - she maintained an independent life, taking trips out to the shops and having regular visits from friends and family.

While there, she received support getting in and out of bed and help with cooking and bathing up to four times a day.

Ms Lee's daughter, Linda Taylor, believes her mother doesn't need to be in a care home. Instead, she believes her mum requires more care time at her home in Gorleston.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Ms Lee has resided at All Hallows care home in Bungay for the past year, although her stay was only intended to be for 28 days. Picture - NewsquestMs Lee has resided at All Hallows care home in Bungay for the past year, although her stay was only intended to be for 28 days. Picture - Newsquest (Image: Bruno Brown)

Ms Taylor said: "This past year has been horrendous.

"Mum didn't want to go to Bungay as she's lived in Great Yarmouth all her life. She's now away from her friends and family. 

"She was very happy in her home. And, at St Augustine's, she was told she had a home for life."

Ms Taylor complained against Norfolk County Council and Norse, who operate All Hallows care home and St Augustine's Place, saying her mother doesn't require specialist or nursing care.

"Mum has full capacity and she wants to go home," said Ms Taylor. 

"Her care needs have not changed from when she was in hospital.

"She just has a physical disability and needs more time than the 13-hour block set by the council.

"St Augustine's said it offers 24 hours access to care. I don't see why she can't return."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: St Augustine's Place on Addison Road, Gorleston. Picture - GoogleSt Augustine's Place on Addison Road, Gorleston. Picture - Google (Image: Google)

She said her mother was offered a place at a care home in Gorleston, but felt it wasn't ideal for Ms Lee due to the amount of residents with dementia.

She said: "Mum is isolated from all her friends, family and the life she once enjoyed.

"Ultimately, St Augustine's meets mum's well-being needs. 

"All Hallows doesn't.

"She just wants to go home with care. That's all."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Norfolk County Council headquarters on Martineau Lane in Norwich, Norfolk. Picture - NewsquestNorfolk County Council headquarters on Martineau Lane in Norwich, Norfolk. Picture - Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Laura Clear, director of community health and social care operations, said the council "wants to support people to live as independently as possible, for as long as possible".

"We will do everything we can to help people to live in their own homes," Ms Clear said.

"Our social workers assess people’s needs and work with those using social care services, their families and care providers, to make sure that the person needing care is getting the right support, in the right place.

"Sometimes, when someone’s needs are particularly high it is not possible to provide the right, safe level of care in someone’s home so at that point a residential or nursing home is the alternative place for them to live, with the specialist support that comes with that. 

"We do understand that this can be difficult for families, but our duty is to the person receiving care and we have to ensure they are safe and that their care needs are being met.

"We are sorry that there were some issues with our assessment and communication when Ms Lee first left hospital. We believe that she is now receiving the care that she needs and are continuing to offer our support."

Ms Lee's family has launched a petition to help get Ms Lee back to her Gorleston home.

To see the petition, visit www.change.org/p/care-for-christine