A woman in her 50s has been forced to share a single bed with her elderly mother in a one-bedroom flat for over four years, as the local council has been unable to provide suitable accommodation.
Rachel Griffiths, 51, has been sleeping alongside her mother, Marilynn Prance, 74, since 2022, when Ms Prance was diagnosed with dementia. However, the symptoms began earlier, and the situation has become untenable for Ms Griffiths, who says she has no personal life or privacy.
No Room for Independence
Ms Griffiths told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that her mother could no longer afford her own rent in Pengam Green, so she moved in with her. This was when Ms Griffiths noticed her mother's condition deteriorating rapidly.
She described her life as being on hold, stating, “I can’t have a relationship – I’m sharing my bed with my mother. It’s like my life is on hold basically and I need my own space, especially when my mother has wet the bed.” Ms Prance has bladder issues that cause frequent accidents at night.
Ms Griffiths requested a transfer from her flat in Meirion Place, Tremorfa, to a larger property in Whitchurch, but the council told her no suitable homes are available in that area. She also cited anti-social behavior on the estate as a reason for wanting to move.
Council Response
A Cardiff council spokesman acknowledged that Ms Griffiths’ housing needs have changed since she was allocated her current home. She has been assessed as needing a larger property and placed on the waiting list.
However, the spokesman noted that the time to find suitable accommodation depends on the areas specified by the applicant. “This is particularly the case where there is limited council or registered social landlord housing in the chosen area,” he said.
The council is working to increase the supply of social housing, with over 2,000 new homes already delivered and plans for 4,500 more. They also take reports of anti-social behavior seriously and are working with residents to resolve issues.
South Wales Police confirmed they are aware of a neighborhood dispute in Meirion Place and are collaborating with the housing provider to address it.
