Bupa New Zealand presented with Dementia Friendly Award

Bupa New Zealand has become the first aged care provider to be awarded the national Alzheimers New Zealand Dementia Friendly Award.

The award recognises New Zealand organisations which have taken steps to improve access to services for those with dementia.

There are 70,000 New Zealanders currently living with dementia, with the number expected to increase to 170,000 by 2050 according to Alzheimers New Zealand.

To achieve the award and dementia friendly status, Bupa met the selected criteria across seven standards that form the Dementia Friendly Recognition Programme. The criteria was over and above the existing standards regularly met by the aged care provider.

Bupa’s positive initiatives have included an 0800 Dementia phone helpline and an online dementia awareness course for the public.

The award was presented to Managing Director of Bupa Villages and Aged Care, Jan Adams by Alzheimers New Zealand’s Chief Executive, Catherine Hall.

Ms Adams said the national award recognises the ongoing work Bupa New Zealand is undertaking in the area of dementia.

“Bupa is one of the largest providers of dementia care in New Zealand and we are committed to delivering our ‘Person First, Dementia Second’ approach. This award acknowledges the wonderful work of our aged care team and the benefits their efforts are delivering for our residents living with dementia,” Ms Adams said.

Alzheimers New Zealand Chief Executive Catherine Hall says the fact that the number of people with dementia is growing so fast is a major concern.

“It’s a major reason why Alzheimers New Zealand is so intent on creating a more dementia friendly New Zealand in which people with dementia are better understood, accepted and supported. We need the corporate sector, the health sector, government, the media – everybody – to recognise the implications of the dementia challenge and to take steps to address it. It’s very pleasing to see that Bupa has already stepped up to the mark in this regard,” Ms Hall said.

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