Dementia Education And Support 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).

ENDS