Health & Wellbeing
Strong demand for specialist dementia care in Southland has seen Enliven Southland’s expanded Iona dementia unit reach full capacity within its first year, underlining the urgent need for more psychogeriatric beds across the region.
The six additional beds, introduced in March last year, were quickly taken up. Within the first week, half were already reserved, and the unit has remained at full occupancy 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 refurbishment at Peacehaven Village followed a $400,000 redevelopment and officially opened on 7 March last year. It created six new D6 beds, offering hospital-level dementia care for some of the region’s most vulnerable older people.
Presbyterian Support Southland chief executive Matt Russell said the project was fully funded by community support, reflecting strong local backing.
“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.”
Before the expansion, limited availability often forced residents to move خارج the region to receive appropriate 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.”
The organisation said it remains focused on responding to changing community needs, particularly as the aged care sector faces increasing pressure.
“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.”
Enliven Southland is part of Presbyterian Support Southland and continues to provide a range of aged care and community services across the region.