FAMILY of a middle-aged woman who has been trapped in an old people's home for five months have no idea where she will be sent when Avonmead in Devizes closes next month.

Alan Bartram and his children have been fighting to get a suitable property to bring Kathleen Bartram, 53, home since September but now time is running out.

Mr Bartram said: "Nothing has happened with regards with housing and I just seem to be hitting a brick wall and we are getting nowhere. I think suitable houses has been available but we keep being overlooked and no one is giving any reason why.

"Every day when I go in to see Kath the first things she asks me is where is she going and I have to say I don't know. This makes her very upset and depressed."

His wife was sent to Avonmead after being discharged from Royal United Hospital, Bath with complex health problems including mental health issues.

Mr Bartram and daughter Sophie, 16, live in a modern Aster home at Leigh Woods Lane, Devizes, but it only has one downstairs living area. Mr Bartram said: "I was told by a social worker that Kath needs a downstairs bedroom and ideally a wetroom. But we only have the one room so it can't be converted."

After the Gazette became involved in the family's plight in November the family was moved up to the highest banding by Homes 4 Wiltshire but a suitable house has not been found.

Mr Bartram said they had been offered a two bedroom bungalow in Bishops Cannings but the rooms were not big enough to accommodate Mrs Bartram's large hospital-style bed and other equipment.

He said: "We keep applying and applying but are getting nowhere. I can't even get in touch with our social worker to see what is going to happen."

It was announced just before Christmas that Avonmead Care Home in Canal Way was to close and staff faced redundancy. At the time owners Four Seasons Health Care said the company was reviewing vacancies at its other homes and staff from Avonmead would be offered the opportunity to apply to transfer, subject to there being suitable vacancies.

Wiltshire Council said with reference to Mrs Bartram: "We are aware of this family's complicated needs. The type of property they are looking for is very specific and doesn’t become available for re-letting very often. We will continue to actively work with them to do everything we can to help find somewhere suitable."

In connection with Avonmead the council said: "Five people have already moved and the 17 who remain at Avonmead are being supported to find alternative homes which will meet their needs.

"Avonmead will not close until all the residents have moved and we anticipate this may take until the end of February."