Dementia support and education restored

Alzheimer's New Zealand will provide support and education for carers of older people with dementia as a result of Waikato District Health Board awarding a new contract to Alzheimer's New Zealand to provide the service.

The ALZWELL service, formerly provided by Alzheimer's Waikato, ceased in May last year after the Waikato organisation disbanded.

The national organisation will provide the service from a local base.

"The ALZWELL service aims to provide the primary informal caregiver (usually a spouse or partner) with additional strategies and skills to cope in the home with their family member," said Waikato DHB Planning and Funding portfolio manager Fiona Murdoch.

"Under the new contract, Alzheimer's New Zealand will provide that support, offering an experienced dementia educator to work with the primary caregiver.

"The educator works with the caregiver to determine what information and support will be most useful to their situation, and how this is put in place to best assist them.

"As the funder, Waikato DHB is pleased that the service will maintained in a new capacity, and these carers will continue to be well supported in their very important roles in their family member's lives."

All existing clients of the ALZWELL service under Alzheimer's Waikato have been contacted to let them know a specialised information and education service will be provided to carers.

Individuals, family members, GPs and other health professionals at (07) 839 1441 can make referrals to Disability Support Link (Waikato DHB's needs assessment and service coordination organisation).

Date: 9 February 2010

ENDS