DISTRAUGHT husband Alan Bartram is desperately trying to bring his middle-aged wife home from an old people's home where she is desperately unhappy,

Kathleen Bartram, 53, cries and begs her husband to take her home every time he visits her in Avonmead care home in Devizes. She has been in the home since September when she was discharged from Royal United Hospital, Bath with complex health problems.

Former soldier Mr Bartram, 55, and their three children believe they could care for her better at home but need a house that can be adapted.

Mr Bartram said: "It is heartbreaking for us. Whenever I see her she starts crying and asks me when she is going home. This is a question I can't answer and it is so difficult to see her upset."

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.

"She is bedridden and can't get to the bathroom. I was told to apply to Homes 4 Wiltshire for a property but we are on the second lowest band and we have not been able to get a home. We really don't know what to do."

Mrs Bartram was taken ill with a stroke in November 2015 and stayed in Great Western Hospital, Swindon, until March 2016. She then came home to Leigh Woods Lane and was looked after by Mr Bartram who became her full-time carer.

She became ill again in June and was admitted to the RUH where she was treated until September 20. When she was discharged it was decided that she could not be looked after in the family's current home and she was sent straight to Avonmead where she has remained.

She has had a number of strokes and has a heart condition and epilepsy. Mr Bartram said: "She has no mobility. We desperately need a house with two downstairs rooms or a bungalow. She is not receiving any rehabilitation any more and it is affecting her mental state. I go and see her every day. Sophie and my older children Michael, 22, and Lauren, 21, are also very worried about her and just want her home.

A spokesman for Wiltshire Council said: "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."