Enliven Southland's refurbished dementia unit has welcomed new residents shortly after opening.
The $400,000 project added six psychogeriatric beds to meet rising demand in Southland.
Significant community support ensured the project's successful funding and completion.
Enliven Southland’s newly refurbished Iona dementia facility has officially opened, with three of the six available beds in the new D6 wing already reserved within a week.
“It is evident already the expansion of our dementia unit was needed to meet the increasing demand for dementia care and address the lack of D6 beds in the region,” Presbyterian Support Southland (PSS) chief executive Matt Russell said.
The official opening took place on Friday, 7 March, attended by funders and supporters.
“We are thrilled to report, thanks to the generosity of a significant number of contributors, the project has been fully funded,” Mr Russell said.
The $400,000 development included six additional psychogeriatric beds and other improvements to the dementia unit at Peacehaven Village, aimed at supporting Southland’s most vulnerable elderly residents.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the community for recognising the need and lending their support to this vital project,” Mr Russell said.
Funding came from several organisations and individuals, with major contributions including $120,483 from the ILT Foundation, $50,000 from the Hugo Charitable Trust, and $26,300 each from the Stewart Family Charitable Trust, PH Vickery Trust, and Guy Anson Waddel Charitable Trust. The Aotearoa Gaming Trust also contributed $29,900, alongside smaller donations from trusts and individuals.
