Users and carers at Crystal Gateway dementia centre in Amblecoate say services in Dudley are being cut back without proper consultation.
Lynda Austin's partner John was diagnosed with Alzheimer's seven years ago at age 59. For the last three years he has been attending the centre for respite sessions, which allow Austin to take a break from full-time caring.
"I can't leave [John] alone for a minute in case he wanders, falls or touches something hot," Austin tells the BBC. "He can't cook, or dress, my life is dedicated to keeping him safe."
Two weeks ago, Austin received a phone call telling her the respite sessions were being axed. A social worker told her "they are shutting it and we are giving you two weeks notice".
Services downgraded but building remains open
Austin's husband can still attend activities at the centre, but will have to be accompanied by her as there will be no one on hand to assist him.
Austin believes the council has a responsibility to support carers through offering weekly respite sessions, especially as private sessions are expensive and hard to find.
"Carers will be pushed into breakdowns by this," Austin says. "It's already happening."
Council denies withdrawal of support
Councillor Andrew Tromans raised the issue of service reduction at a recent meeting of the council's health and adult social care scrutiny committee.
"Yes they are keeping the building open, but the services that are valued are going," he said. "I'm not an adult social care expert, but what I do know is you are caring for someone with dementia your life is already stressful [and] change without consultation is really distressing."
Dudley Council said it was "transforming how support is delivered and broadening access across the borough, not withdrawing support for people living with dementia and their carers".
Councillor Andrea Goddard, cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said: "Anyone accessing services at Crystal Gateway are receiving and individual care assessment or review, to ensure their assessed needs, and where appropriate those of their carers continue to be met through appropriate support arrangements."
