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Real stories

Don’s story

Frances lives with dementia, but was managing okay at home with her husband’s help. However, when Don was admitted to hospital, Frances fell apart. With her condition deteriorating, her family found her unfed, unwashed and cold three days later, prompting a swift but hard decision to put her into care. However, with no appropriate dementia care available close to home, Frances was forced to move over 230km away from her community – and her husband of 60 years. He visits when he’s feeling well, but a 200km drive is no easy undertaking at his age. And now due to the length of time between visits, Frances unfortunately no longer recognises him when he does visit.

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Explore more real stories.

  • Mike’s story

    Mike, in his 50s, needed specialised care for his Multiple Sclerosis, but no suitable facility was available nearby. He was forced to move more than 100km from his wife and kids. They visit every Sunday when they can. Mike watches the clock waiting for them to arrive – then counts down the hours until they return.

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  • Barbara’s story

    Barbara, 92, needed specialised dementia care that wasn’t available in her hometown, forcing her to move 190km away. Her husband, Colin, 96, has poor vision, making the 380km drive impossible. His daughter takes him when she can, but after more than 70 years of marriage, the couple have been separated by distance.

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  • Wayne’s story

    Wayne’s mother needed secure dementia care after her Alzheimer’s disease progressed. However, appropriate care was not available close to the family home in Hokitika. She moved to Westport, leaving Wayne’s father making a 240km round trip twice a week to visit his wife. The travel became increasingly tiring and raised concerns about his safety on the road. Wayne’s mother has since been able to return to Hokitika for hospital-level care and is now within walking distance of her husband.

    Read more – Wayne’s story