AN elderly grandfather is frightened about his disabled wife’s safety after she fell down a set of steps outside their home and severely injured herself.

George McQueen’s wife, Helen, is thought to have broken her back after a fall on the doorstep at the home they recently moved into in Ardrossan.

George, 86, believes that Helen’s accident could have been avoided if there had been hand grips outside the property and is now terrified that she might fall again.

He told the Herald: “She came out and there was nothing to hold onto.

“The doctor thinks a bone in her back is broken. She can’t lie on her back. When she’s in her bed she’s got to lie on her side.

“My wife’s disabled and she’s coming up for 80. Any time she goes out she could fall. It’s worrying me.

“Even a hand grip would help, but there’s nothing at all. Something will need to be done. I’m frightened myself.

“She’s been disabled for a few years plus she’s got a bad heart.

“Even when the doctor left, my wife was saying to him: ‘Watch you don’t fall’. It’s dangerous.”

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “Private householders may be able to access our Care and Repair Service which offers help to elderly home owners and private sector tenants, over 65 years of age, who need adaptations or small repairs to their home.

“We would ask them to enquire about our Scheme of Assistance by calling 01294 324644 or emailing psadvice@north-ayrshire.gov.uk.

“In the meantime, we will contact the couple with a view to offering advice and support.”

A spokesman from Age Scotland also suggested that the McQueen’s best bet was to contact their local Care and Repair Service, which he said should be able to help with the installation of handrails.

The spokesman added: “If they have further questions and are not sure where to get help from, then they should call our helpline which is free to call, Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm on 0800 12 44 222.

“Our advisers would be able to offer info about local services and do things like a benefits check to see if they are entitled to pension credit or carers allowance.

“There could be help and support available to the McQueen’s that we can signpost them to.”

Find your local Care and Repair Service at http://www.carena.org.uk/providers/care-support/care-repair-extra-resident-services/.