Alzheimers NZ & Bupa reaffirm commitment to quality of care

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release: 25 September 2013

Alzheimers NZ and Bupa reaffirm commitment to lifting quality of care for people with dementia

Alzheimers NZ and Bupa Care Services NZ have today restated their commitment to their shared mission of “working together to bring a better quality of life and care to all people affected by dementia”.

The commitment follows the release of the findings of World Alzheimer Report 2013, announced last week, which issues a challenge to New Zealand to increase the quality of care for people with dementia and prepare for the significant increase in the number of people with dementia expected as the population continues to age.

Alzheimers NZ Executive Director Catherine Hall says the strategic alliance, which was formed between Alzheimers NZ and Bupa several years ago, was reaffirmed at an event in Invercargill today.

“With the number of people affected by dementia in New Zealand predicted to triple to 150,000 by 2050, it is imperative increased levels of community-based support and long term residential care are focused on dementia,” she says.

“We’re proud to be reaffirming our strategic alliance with Bupa and working towards meeting the demand we know is coming by providing a better quality of life and care for people affected by dementia now, and into the future.

“To do this we need to focus on providing autonomy and choice for people with dementia, and ensure that their personal needs, preferences and concerns are catered for in their care.”

Bupa Care Services NZ Managing Director Grainne Moss says the two organisations are working towards their shared mission by working to provide high quality care for people affected by dementia that delivers on the 10-point manifesto of the Global Dementia Charter, announced by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) and Bupa in April 2013.

“The Global Dementia Charter is a global commitment to shaping dementia care and helping people with dementia live happier lives for as long as they can,” she says.

“Its ten key points provide a context against which people with dementia, their family, friends and whanau, care providers and funders can determine what quality care is. We’re very pleased to be working with Alzheimers NZ in delivering on the Charter and providing high quality care for people with dementia.”

The 10 points of the global ADI/Bupa charter ‘I can live well with dementia’ are:

1. I should have access to a doctor to check if I have dementia.

2. I should have access to information about dementia so I know how it will affect me.

3. I should be helped to live independently for as long as I can.

4. I should have a say in the care and support that I am given.

5. I should have access to high-quality care that’s right for me.

6. I should be treated as an individual, with those looking after me knowing about my life.

7. I should be respected for who I am.

8. I should have access to medicine and treatment that helps me.

9. My end of life wishes should be discussed with me while I can still make decisions.

10. I want my family and friends to have fond memories of me.

ENDS

© Scoop Media