There are serious concerns for the wellbeing of people with dementia being unable to access adequate care right now –  let alone be safely catered for in the next few years. Dementia NZ says the services and resources are stretched, inadequate and lacking the scope to assist people who have dementia. Also, some rest homes are closing and care staff are in short supply.

Canterbury DHB Psychiatrist and academic, Matthew Croucher has co-authored a review of the sector and he says based on demographic trends the issue will only intensify. Currently, 70,000 New Zealanders have dementia. That’s set to rise to 170,000 by 2050.