Dunedin’s Ross Home is closing its 24-bed Lindsay unit, which houses D6 psychogeriatric residents, citing a critical lack of staff.
Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand Southern (HNZS) data shows there are just 98 beds for psychogeriatric care in the South, spread across four units — three in Dunedin and one in Invercargill.
Presbyterian Support Otago chief executive and Enliven Services acting director Jo O’Neill said the lack of staff was an industry-wide issue, and was the reason the unit had only 16 residents.
Residents are set to move from late October, but where to has yet to be determined.
The employee, who did not want to be named, said work was "exhausting" and being shortstaffed put physical and mental strain on employees.
"I often lie awake at night unable to sleep as the sounds of the yells and screams of residents echo in my mind," the employee said.
Casual staff came and went, some only staying a matter of days because they found it hard to cope.
Because residents lash out verbally and physically on a daily basis, it was "certainly not a job for everybody".
"They do not understand why they aren’t allowed to simply walk out of the door when they just want to go home — it’s very sad."
Staff had been leaving to work in better paid roles which the employee said was understandable.
"I feel that we definitely need more government funding to allow Presbyterian Support to pay the same wages nurses and carers get at the hospital or some other homes."
Staff at the unit had formed bonds with each other and with the residents, and they were all concerned about where they would go next.
"There aren’t many D6 beds available locally and it would be devastating to send them elsewhere away from their families.
"Some will be able to move to a lower level of care, but the ones who are most vulnerable are the ones I’m more worried about.
Presbyterian Support Otago was working with HNZS to find a solution, Ms O’Neill said last week.
"At the heart of this decision is the wellbeing and dignity of our most vulnerable residents, and the safety and wellbeing of our staff."
Presbyterian Support New Zealand had made submissions to the Government on pay parity for aged care nurses, among other advocacy, she said.
Ross Home will continue to operate all its other units, which together make up 100 beds.
