A 51-year-old with Parkinson's who was only supposed to be living in a care home for six weeks is still waiting to be moved to a more suitable facility almost a year later.

Lee Todd from Ashford was moved to Brabourne Care Centre in Hythe Road in July while hospital beds were in high demand due to the pandemic.

He says staff there are doing their best for him and he was only supposed to be there on a temporary basis but delays because of Covid means he has not been able to move.

A space for him at a more suitable location was found however this has since fallen through, leaving him back at square one.

Mr Todd, originally from Beaver Lane, says he just wants to be placed somewhere more suitable for his age, adding: "I was moved between so many hospitals before coming here.

"I’m on the top floor and I'm in a wheelchair because I can't walk and this is the end of life floor.

"I was told I was going to be here for six weeks for assessment, but I have been here since July 2021.

"Whenever I want to go out I have to wait for someone to go with me.

"The staff are trying their best, but I can feel my condition getting worse because they're not equipped for me here.

"I'm the youngest by several years."

Mr Todd was diagnosed with Parkinson's in February 2018 and later diagnosed with CIDP, an autoimmune disorder.

He was taken into hospital three years ago after having a fall at home and has needed additional care ever since.

'I was told I was going to be here for six weeks for assessment, but I have been here since July 2021 ...'

While Mr Todd's condition cannot be cured, he says he relies on medication and regular exercise to help slow down the effects.

Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition which causes problems in the brain and that can get worse over time.

There are more than 40 symptoms including tremors but Parkinson's affects everyone differently.

Katherine Crawford, Director of Services at Parkinson's UK, said: "There are 145,000 people in the UK with a diagnosis of Parkinson's, most of whom live independently or with limited support.

"Parkinson’s is a very complex condition which means that everyone’s needs are different. We believe that every person should receive the right care and treatment at the right time.

"Whilst we understand and appreciate that social care services have been under immense pressure as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the needs and dignity of those needing residential care should always be paramount.

"Lee has been waiting far too long for a suitable space to become available to him and we share his frustration. He has been supported by our team locally and they will continue to do all that they can to help him.”

A spokesperson from Opus Care, which runs the care home, said: "As a responsible care provider, we work in close partnership with the NHS, KCC, CCG and other agencies to meet the care needs of our residents who have complex medical needs.

"The circumstances surrounding admissions are sometimes complicated and we recognise that is often a difficult time especially for anyone diagnosed with life changing condition.

"We were one of the preferred care home options initially prior to the resident’s admission, able and willing to deal with the nature of a progressive disease.

"We have gone above and beyond to provide additional social and emotional support. Examples of this are regular accompanied visits to London and local exercise groups, facilitating the development of a website and the offer to host meetings for support groups.

"We admire the determination, intellect and drive of our resident and will continue to provide a safe and as stimulating environment for as long as they are in our care."

A Kent County Council spokesperson said: “The wellbeing and safety of our residents is extremely important to us and we endeavour to ensure all our residents who draw on support have their assessed needs met in the most suitable care environment.

“KCC would not admit anyone into an unsuitable care setting and can assure our residents that all immediate assessed care needs will always continue to be met whilst we work hard with our partners and care providers in Kent to ensure the best solutions for all.”