A DEVOTED daughter is faced with a 146-mile round trip to a specialist care unit where her dad who suffers from dementia lives.

Joan Martin from Barrow must make the lengthy journey each time she wants to visit her 88-year-old father Bill who lives in Meadow Bank care home, Preston.

Miss Martin had to previously travel 168 miles to the Ruskin unit at the Carleton clinic, Carlisle before her father was moved slightly closer to home two weeks ago.

She said: "I saw the story in the Evening Mail and it made me realise that I'm not alone.

"It's heartbreaking really and you're lucky if you get an hour, hour and a half to spend visiting because of all the travel.

"He does seem much happier now he's moved."

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Miss Martin, who is a full time carer, now visits her father alone as step-mother Vera suffered a stroke, making the long journey uncomfortable and very tiring.

Mrs Martin was also recently diagnosed with dementia.

Rail fares, bus tickets, taxi costs and planning keep adding extra strain to what is already a difficult situation.

Mr Martin had initially been taken in to Furness General Hospital on March 4 this year for respite care but was sent to Carlisle when staff at the Dova unit, Dane Garth could no longer meet his needs.

"We've tried every home in Barrow and they can't take him because he needs a secure unit and EMI (elderly mentally infirm care).

"We even tried Millom, Lancaster, Morecambe, Penrith and Whitehaven," Miss Martin told the Evening Mail.

Barrow Borough Council health and wellbeing spokesperson, Councillor Michael Cassells said: " Dementia is here to stay so we need to assess the situation.

"Miss Martin is being supported John Woodcock's office and I was happy to meet her and offer support.

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

"We are encouraging families to ask lots of questions and get in touch."

Mr Cassells told the Evening Mail he would like to see a bigger discussion about adult mental health taking place and wanted to make sure families were always kept in the loop.

He also recommended families contact Furness Carers, the Patient Experience team and the Patient Liaison Service (PALS) who can offer practical help and advice.

Mr Martin was sectioned under the Mental Health Act and qualified for what is called 117 aftercare which means all services are free of charge saving the family up to £800 a week on care home costs.

Despite the distance, Miss Martin has praised the progress her dad has made while at Preston's Bupa registered Meadow Bank but is hoping he can move even closer, allowing her step-mother regular visits to her beloved.

If you or your family have been affected by this issue, please get in touch with the Evening Mail on 01229 840 132 or email news.em@cnmedia.co.uk

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