Psychiatrists say reports of aggressive older psychiatric patients in general hospital wards highlight a health system poorly equipped to support the nation’s rapidly ageing population.

Dr Matthew Croucher, Spokesperson for the Faculty of Psychiatry of Old Age at Tū Te Akaaka Roa – the New Zealand National Office of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, said:

“While we understand and echo the genuine safety concerns of healthcare staff, we need to be careful when using stigmatising language to describe the behaviours of people living with dementia, as it can often deter families from seeking help when they need it the most,” Dr Croucher said. 

"While aggressive incidents are relatively rare, people with dementia need care when they're struggling and turning them away from services is not a viable solution.”

Dr Croucher said New Zealand already faces a critical shortage of mental health beds for older persons, with reports that the new Dunedin Hospital plans to reduce the number of dementia and psychiatry of old age beds causing significant concern within the sector.

"Psychiatry of old age beds are specifically designed for older people experiencing complex mental health conditions including severe depression, psychosis, and the behavioural symptoms of dementia. These specialised units provide the therapeutic environment they need for recovery,” Dr Croucher said.

“We should be increasing the availability of these beds and purpose-built mental health facilities for this vulnerable group of people, but instead we’re moving in the opposite direction. 

"For seven years since the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction, the Faculty has been advocating for greater investment in community, hospital, and residential care services that are properly resourced to meet the needs of older people requiring psychiatric care.

"New Zealand also has a comprehensive 'Dementia | Mate Wareware Action Plan' since 2020 that outlines evidence-based solutions, but we need the New Zealand Government to enable Health NZ through greater investment to implement it.

“We urge the New Zealand Government to invest upstream in early intervention and prevention - in community, hospital, and residential care services that are properly resourced to meet the needs of older people requiring psychiatric care.”

ENQUIRIES: For more information, or to arrange an interview call Dishi Gahlowt on +61 437 315 911 or email media@ranzcp.org.  

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists is a membership organisation that prepares medical specialists in the field of psychiatry, supports and enhances clinical practice, advocates for people affected by mental illness and advises governments and other groups on mental health care. For information about our work, our members or our history, visit www.ranzcp.org. 

In Australia: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au or the Suicide Callback Service on 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au. 

In New Zealand: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline NZ on 0800 543 354 or www.lifeline.org.nz or the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0508 828 865 or www.lifeline.org.nz/suicide-prevention.