Skip to content
Aged Care Association New ZealandAbout Us
All stories

Real stories

Mike’s story

Mike is in his 50s and unfortunately lives with Multiple Sclerosis. His condition got to the point where he needed specialised care, but with no local facility to provide it, Mike was forced to move over 100 km away to get the care he needs. He left behind a wife and three children, who do their best to visit him every Sunday afternoon. Mike confessed to sitting by the clock each Sunday until they get there, then as soon as they leave, counting down the hours until the next Sunday. Mike’s story is just one of many, with countless elderly locals having to move out of their community to find the care they need.

How you can help.

We need the government to make a plan for our aged residential care sector. You can help by emailing your local MP and demanding action.

Email your MP 

Explore more real stories.

  • 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.

    Read more – Barbara’s story

  • 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

  • Alison’s story

    Alison, family carer: Alison cares full time for her husband Neil, who is living with dementia. Despite being allocated 35 Government-funded respite days each year, she’s unable to use them because suitable beds are unavailable. Most years she accesses only five or six days. Sometimes it’s as few as two. She’s tried to secure planned respite as far as 13 months in advance. Alison shares about the impact limited access to respite has on family carers and the importance of carers being able to protect their own health and wellbeing.

    Read more – Alison’s story