New Zealand Dementia Support Organisations

1. Alzheimers New Zealand Level 3, 49 Boulcott Street, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011 Freephone: 0800 004 001 Direct: 04 387 8264 Website: alzheimers.org.nz

The lead organisation at a national level representing people and their whānau living with dementia mate wareware. Raises awareness, provides information and resources, advocates for high quality services, and promotes research. Supports 13 local Alzheimers NZ organisations throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

2. Dementia New Zealand Freephone: 0800 433 636 Website: dementia.nz

Provides support and education services to about 70% of New Zealand’s population affected by dementia, particularly in larger cities from Christchurch to Auckland. Operates through a network of regional organisations including Dementia Auckland, Dementia Waikato, and Dementia Canterbury.

3. Carers NZ 3 Vinegar Lane, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021 Freephone: 0800 777 797 Website: carers.net.nz

A national not-for-profit supporting a network of approximately one million individual family carers. Provides information, advice, learning and support for those caring for frail, aged, sick, injured or disabled family members or friends. Maintains a National Issues Register so carers have a way to submit concerns to government agencies and other decision-makers.

4. Healthline Freephone: 0800 611 116 (24 hours, 7 days a week) Website: healthy.org.nz

A free over-the-phone health service staffed by experienced nurses and paramedics. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Māori clinician support available between 8am and 8pm. Interpreter services and NZ Relay support available for callers who are Deaf or hearing impaired.

5. Carer Support — Health New Zealand Phone: 0800 855 066 Email: carer_support@health.govt.nz Website: disabilitysupport.govt.nz

A government-funded subsidy programme providing financial support to unpaid full-time carers to take a break from their caring role. Contact Health New Zealand to discuss eligibility and how to access funding for respite care.

6. Dementia Auckland 74 Oakley Avenue, Waterview, Auckland 1026 Freephone: 0800 433 636 Direct: 09 622 4230 Website: dementia.nz/auckland

Regional organisation providing education, information and support for people with all types of dementia and their carers in the Auckland region. Offers online events, support groups and practical resources.

7. Dementia Waikato 4 Tennyson Road, Enderley, Hamilton 3214 Phone: 07 929 4042 Website: dementia.nz/waikato

Regional specialist providing home visits, ongoing monitoring and carer support groups in the Waikato region.

8. Dementia Canterbury 70 Langdons Road, Papanui, Christchurch 8053 Freephone: 0800 444 776 West Coast: 0800 259 226 Website: dementiacanterbury.org.nz

Regional specialist providing navigation, education programmes, activity respite and social connections for those in the Canterbury and West Coast regions.

9. Seniorline Freephone: 0800 725 463 Website: eldernet.co.nz

A national information service designed to help older people and their carers navigate health and community services, find residential care vacancies and connect with local support options.

10. Advanced Care Planning — Te Whatu Ora Website: health.govt.nz/our-health-system/advance-care-planning

Provides guidance and state-specific documentation for recording future healthcare and medical treatment wishes. Essential planning such as Enduring Power of Attorney must be completed while the person living with dementia still has legal capacity to do so. Contact a solicitor with experience in elder law as early as possible.

Practical Notes for New Zealand Carers

• Sudden changes may not be the dementia progressing If you notice a significant increase in confusion or agitation that appears within hours or a day, do not assume the dementia has worsened. Common treatable causes include urinary tract infections, which often present without fever in older people, dehydration and constipation. Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 to get advice before concluding the condition has changed.
• The hearing and dementia connection Hearing loss is common in older New Zealanders and can significantly worsen confusion and social isolation in people living with dementia. If you suspect hearing loss may be contributing to changes in the person you care for, ask your GP for a referral to an audiologist. NZ Relay services are also available for carers who are Deaf or hearing impaired when calling support lines.
• A critical note for Lewy body dementia If the person you are caring for has been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, this diagnosis must be clearly communicated to all medical staff before any new medication is prescribed, particularly antipsychotics. People with Lewy body dementia can have severe and life-threatening reactions to medications that are routinely used for other forms of dementia. Never assume this information has been passed on between providers.
• Legal and advance care planning Decisions about Enduring Power of Attorney and advance care directives can only be made while the person living with dementia still has the legal capacity to do so. That window narrows as the condition progresses. If you have not yet addressed these matters, contact a solicitor experienced in elder law or visit the Advanced Care Planning resources at health.govt.nz.
• Cultural support for Māori whānau Caring for a whānau member with dementia can bring particular challenges within a Māori context. The Raukawa Charitable Trust and other Māori health providers offer culturally appropriate support including koroua and kuia support, whānau-led programmes and disability services. Contact your local Alzheimers NZ organisation on 0800 004 001 for guidance on culturally appropriate services in your region.
• Support exists for you too Carer burnout is a recognised health risk. The organisations listed above are not only for the person living with dementia. If you are struggling, calling Alzheimers NZ on 0800 004 001 or Carers NZ on 0800 777 797 is a good starting point.