Photo: Gregor RichardsonThe government says help is on the way after a Wānaka man, caring for his 65-year-old wife with dementia, highlighted the "desperate shortage" of dementia-level care facilities in the southern regions. Mental Health Minister and Associate Health Minister with responsibility for rural health Matt Doocey acknowledged the issues raised about dementia care. He said dementia care fell under the responsibility of Seniors Minister and Associate Health Minister Casey Costello, and he would work with her to ensure all points were appropriately covered in the response. While Wānaka has a dementia-level care facility, he said it was full and had a long waiting list. "I can’t put myself in her place except to say that clearly that’s the most unsatisfactory thing for someone to be housed and homed in a situation that’s far removed from all her social supports.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 10, 2026 16:14 UTC