Urgent Funding Needed to Sustain Dementia Services in Queenstown-Lakes

The future of dementia support services in the Queenstown-Lakes District is at risk as funding from the Mactodd Community Charitable Trust comes to an end. According to Antoinette McLean, manager of Alzheimers Otago, the organization urgently needs new funding partners to maintain its services, which currently receive only a quarter of their funding from government contracts.

Critical Services at Stake

Without additional financial support, Alzheimers Otago may have to reduce essential services such as dementia navigation support and group programs in Queenstown and Wanaka. McLean emphasized that the six years of start-up funding from the charitable trust allowed the organization to establish crucial support services, but it was never meant to be a permanent solution.

The Queenstown-Lakes District is home to an estimated 500 people living with dementia. Alzheimers Otago currently supports 216 of these individuals. Projections indicate that by 2050, this number could increase to about 630, further highlighting the pressing need for sustainable funding solutions.

McLean called upon local businesses, philanthropists, and the community to step forward and help maintain these vital services. “If you’ve ever thought about making a difference locally, this is the moment,” she stated.

Personal Impact on Families

The potential cutbacks have drawn concern from families affected by dementia. Andrew Millar, a retired resident of Wanaka, shared his fears about the implications for his wife, Sue Wallace, who has Alzheimer’s disease. He described the support provided by Alzheimers Otago as a “vital lifeline” that enhances the quality of life for both patients and their caregivers.

“Life would be a lot more difficult,” Millar said, reflecting on the benefits of programs like the Aspiring Wanderers dementia day club. He emphasized that such initiatives not only foster social interaction but also provide cognitive stimulation, which is crucial for those living with dementia.

Millar noted that the support services help combat loneliness for caregivers as well, stating that they are fortunate to have a range of activities and a caring community in Wanaka. The disappearance of these services would lead to a “gloomy existence” for families like his, he warned.

The Aged Care Association has also urged the government to provide temporary funding for Alzheimers Otago. Chief executive Tracey Martin highlighted the potential wider costs associated with losing dementia support services, including increased pressures on hospitals and emergency services. She argued that the financial requirements for maintaining these services are modest compared to the long-term benefits they provide.

As discussions continue regarding the redesign of the aged-care funding model, Martin urged the government to continue backing organizations like Alzheimers Otago. The need for immediate action is clear, and the survival of these essential support services hangs in the balance.