Elderly couple forced to live apart

The Goslings have been together for 65 years

A couple who have been married for 65 years have been split up after social services placed them in different care homes.

Jim and Edna Gosling, aged 93 and 86, from Norwich, are now living five miles apart.

Officials from Norfolk social services says Mrs Gosling needs more care than her husband.

But the charity Age Concern has criticised the decision to separate the couple.

Proposed solution

Mr Gosling said: "Apart from going in the army, we were always together.

"It is hard to think about having to be apart."

Rex Humphrey, of Age Concern in Norfolk, said the separation is harmful to the couple, who had been living together at their home until four months ago.

He said: "It's not doing anything for their psychological state.

"After 65 years of marriage, I'm sure everybody would like to see them living together in a care home that can cope with both of them."

A spokesman for Norfolk social services said they have been trying to find a suitable home for the Goslings.

One proposed solution had been rejected by the family.

Earlier this month Gordon and Nora Watts from Oxfordshire - who have been married for more than 60 years - were reunited after being placed in separate care homes.

They had been sent to different residences because it had been too expensive for them to live together.