A WOMAN fears she is no longer safe in her own home after claiming her dementia-stricken mother “tried to gouge her eyes out”.

Blanche Kaye, 60, was allegedly attacked by her 83-year-old mother Claire Kaye in her home in Greensward Lane, Hockley, and fears it will happen again due to the lack of support available.

Blanche cares for her mother who has had dementia and Alzheimer’s for the last three years.

Following incidents including her mother leaving the gas hob on and lighting candles concerns were raised for Claire’s mental capacity and she was sent to Longview Care Home on Canvey but was then deemed to be safe to return home.

Blanche took her home last Saturday despite having concerns over her mental state but two days later, on Monday she claims she was attacked.

Blanche said: “I am so tired of fighting a losing battle against the system so I took her home.

“I was trying to get ready for work and get mum up in time for her carers to arrive and dress her. After they left I tried to talk to mum, but her mental state was poor.

“When I tried to leave for work she attacked me. Firstly she pulled my hair, then tried to gouge my eye out, followed by her placing her hands round my throat and trying to strangle me.”

Blanche managed to call the police. Two social workers later attended the address but still deemed Claire was in a fit enough state to live in the house, and as she requested to they could not force her to leave.

Blanche said: “Mum again told them she wanted to stay in the house, so again I was told they cannot force her to leave. I asked them what to do if she attacked me again, they said call the police and put a lock on my bedroom door. I don’t feel safe in my own home, and do not want her there but it seems I have no rights in this matter.”

She criticised the lack of support from Essex County Council. She said: “They say she has capacity, but they don’t have to live with her every day. Our relationship has been destroyed, I’m scared and I’m getting no help.

“I hope by speaking out I can prevent others suffering.”

A County Hall spokesman said: “We are supporting the family.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We were called just after 8.20am on Monday, April 15.

“Officers attended and it appears we arranged for social care to attend later that day.”

No arrest was made.