Demand for dementia beds strong in Southland

Strong demand for specialist dementia care has seen Enliven Southland’s expanded Iona dementia unit operating at capacity within its first year, confirming the need for additional psychogeriatric (D6) beds in the region.

Within the first week of the unit opening in March last year, three of the six new beds were reserved. The unit has been operating at full capacity for the past four months.

“It was evident very quickly the expansion of our dementia unit was needed to meet the growing demand for specialist dementia care and address the long-standing lack of D6 beds in Southland,” Enliven Southland general manager Carol Riddle said.

“Operating at full capacity within the first year reinforces that this investment was both timely and necessary.”

The refurbished unit at Peacehaven Village was officially opened on 7 March last year following a $400,000 redevelopment project. The project included the establishment of six additional D6 beds, providing hospital-level dementia care for some of Southland’s most vulnerable older people.

Presbyterian Support Southland (PSS) chief executive Matt Russell said the project was fully funded by the community thanks to the generosity of Southlanders, and stood as a true reflection of working with the community, for the community.

“Over the past year we’ve seen first-hand the difference these additional beds have made for residents and their families, allowing people to remain in the region, close to their support networks, rather than having to leave Southland to access care.”

Prior to the expansion, limited access to D6 psychogeriatric beds sometimes meant some residents needed to move out of the region to receive the necessary care.

“The expansion of the D6 unit reflects our ongoing investment in ensuring people have access to high-quality, compassionate care close to home.

“Being able to provide this level of care locally offers dignity, stability and support at a time when people need it most.”

PSS remained committed to responding to the evolving needs of the community.

“As an organisation, we remain focused on meeting the evolving needs of our community, recognising the ongoing challenges facing aged care. Increasing complexity, workforce pressures, and rising expectations require us to adapt how we deliver support, so services stay person-centred and sustainable,” Mr Russell said.

“Looking ahead, we are committed to diversifying our service models and embracing new approaches that strengthen our ability to respond effectively and support older people to live well into the future.”