Parkinson families '˜face hit of £16,000' in care costs

A combination of reduced income and increased expenses is blamed for the spiralling cost of caring for sufferers.

The figure is up to 60 per cent higher than previously thought, the research by Sheffield Hallam University and the charity Parkinson’s UK says.

Patients who are unable to work, or who take early retirement, account for the largest slice of the total, with their carers’ loss of income and the removal of benefits listed as other factors.

Additional healthcare and energy costs, and alterations to patients’ homes are listed among the biggest expenses.

Some 127,000 people are said to be living with Parkinson’s, an incurable, degenerative neurological condition which leaves sufferers struggling to walk, talk and sleep.

Steve Ford, chief executive at Parkinson’s UK said: “For the first time, this research has exposed the full financial impact of Parkinson’s, and it’s shocking that people affected by the condition are being hit by such devastating losses – especially at a time when families are already feeling the strain.

“People are being penalised by heavily reduced incomes and forced to pay for a lifetime of mobility aids, home alterations and care costs - all while battling a debilitating progressive condition, for which there is no cure.”

The charity wants the government to spend more on social care and is calling on employers to do more to allow victims to stay in work for longer.