A LOVING daughter who travels 146 miles to visit her father in a specialist dementia care unit has praised outspoken members of the community for shining a light on the area's lack of services.

Joan Martin from Barrow is forced to make the lengthy journey to Meadow Bank in Preston each time she wants to see her 88-year-old dad Bill, who moved there in July.

The full-time carer has praised pensioner Madge Bazeley who was the first come forward and speak out about her ordeal when husband Eric was moved from Dane Garth, at Furness General Hospital, to Dewsbury, in Yorkshire.

The 84-year-old's story prompted a flurry of south Cumbrian residents to come forward and share their stories, revealing a high number of dementia patients with complex needs who are moved miles from home.

Miss Martin said: "If Madge didn't bring it out into the open, I wouldn't have read about it and come forward either, same for everyone else.

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"I would like to meet Madge just to say thank you and that she's not alone, we might even be able to start a group.

"It's still a big thing here."

Miss Martin sometimes travels to Preston with another Barrow resident who visits his wife at the same care home, splitting the cost of travel.
However, she usually spends more then £30 each time she wants to see her dad, taking the train and a taxi.

While dementia facilities are available in the area, it is specialist services for people needing elderly mentally infirm care (EMI), which are in short supply.

Despite the distance, Miss Martin said she would be reluctant to bring her father closer to home, suggesting the move would be too much of a strain.

She said: "He's doing well now and I am happy for him to stay.

"He seems happy and healthy and they said they are going to build him a raised garden for him outside."

Mr Martin had been living with dementia for several years and was taken to Furness General Hospital on March 4 for respite care when staff said they could no longer cater for his needs.

He was subsequently sent to Carlisle before transferring to Meadow Bank.

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Speaking to the Evening Mail about the degenerative condition, Barrow Borough Council health and wellbeing spokesman, Councillor Michael Cassells, said: "Dementia is here to stay so we need to assess the situation.

"It is important for people to know they are not alone and help is available."

A charity night will be held on October 21 to officially begin the Barrow Carers' Travel Trust Fund, hosted by Walney resident Mrs Bazeley at the Lisdoonie.

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