The situation for carers in the Isle of Man is much worse than previously thought.

That's according to a group which is stepping up pressure on the Manx Government for more help with respite care.

Aggrieved Carers Helping Each Other, or ACHE, wrote to the Department of Health last month threatening to withdraw the care they provided unless adult respite services were improved.

It wants the government to provide one overnight stay a week and cover for an annual seven day holiday for each carer on the Island.

Spokesman, John Sheppard, says since the group went public with its demands, several people have come forward with details of their own experiences.

However, he says nothing has been heard from the Department of Health, forcing ACHE to consider legal action (audio file attached):

The DHSS says the letter has been referred to the Head of Social Services, who has been asked to provide information about the areas which are the issue of complaint.