There is a range of services in the community that can further enable and support people with dementia and their carers.  We have endeavoured to provide as many relevant additional sources of help and support we can but if you have any further recommendations that need to be included here, please email us info@alzheimers.co.nz or call us freephone 0800-004-001.

You can also refer to our "Links" section for other websites that could offer relevant information and advice.

 

To access possibly free of charge support services such as home help, personal care, dementia day care, or short-term care you must receive a needs assessment. 

If the person you care for is aged 65 or over, you will deal with the Needs Assessment team of the Community Health Service in your area (information below).

If the person you care for is under 65 years of age, please contact the Taikura Trust Assessment Team on (09) 278-6314.

Needs Assessment & Services Co-ordination (NASC)

People 65 and over.

Needs Assessment and Service Co-ordination Teams are based at North Shore, Auckland, Middlemore and Waitakere Hospitals.  They been set up to determine support needs for older people with health problems.

Needs Assesors are qualified Health Professionals who provide information and assessments for people who have a long term health problem that results in a reduction of independent function.

Areas of assessement can include health problems, living situation, personal care, domestic management, mobility, communication, support networks, financial support, recreational and social situation, caregiver support.

• Referrals are accepted from clients, and with the client's permission from GP's, family members, health professionals and community organisations
• The Needs Assessor will help you identify your needs by working through the assessment with you
• A service plan will then be developed with you to meet, where possible, the needs that have been established
• Family, whanau, support people are welcome to attend the assessment.

The aim of the service is to create a partnership between you and the Needs Assessor, which recognises and respects what is important to you, the people in your life, your knowledge and experience of your health.  People must hold a Community Services Card to qualify for subsidised home help but a card is not required for someone who needs help with their personal care.  Once you have had a needs assessment you may gain access to services such as personal care and help for tasks like dressing, eating, bathing.  Provision of personal care is not means tested.

To contact your closest Needs Assessor, please ring:

• Central Auckland (09) 623-6470 
• West Auckland (09) 486-8945 Ext 3217
• North Auckland (09) 486-8945
• South Auckland (09) 276-0000 Ext 8040.

Respite Care

Respite Care is a programme which aims to support high needs clients and their carers by organising and paying for planned breaks in a Rest Home/Hospital on a regular basis.

This service is usually accessed through your Needs Assesor/Service Co-ordinator.

Day Care

There is a range of day care facilities available, depending on people's level of need.

Dementia Day Care:

• Must be authorised by NASC to qualify for funding assistance
• Fully funded with either a Community Services Card or High User Card
• May be funded through Carer Support
• 1-5 days per week depending on client need/vacancies
• Transport may be provided but with an associated cost
• Hot midday meal provided.

Day Care:

• Provided by some residential care facilities
• Both group sessions and individual care may be available
• Provided also by independent and community organisations
• May take people with mild to moderate dementia
• 1-5 days a week depending on vacancies
• Can pay for privately
• WINZ may fund through Disability Allowance
• May be appropriate to utilise Carer Support
• Transport sometimes available
• Hot midday meal, morning and afternoon tea provided.

Contact Alzheimers Auckland Inc or your Service Co-ordinator for information/assistance.

Transport

Operation Mobility offers parking concessions for people who are disabled and cannot walk far.  Application forms are available from New Zealand Crippled Childrens Society and must be signed by a doctor.

Disabled people of all ages who are unable to use public transport because of their disability are eligible for discounted taxi fares under the Total Mobility Scheme.

If you are a financial member of Alzheimers Auckland and cannot use public transport or drive your own car you may apply for discount taxi vouchers.  These vouchers generally allow a 50% discount on any trip by taxi.  Please contact Alzheimers Auckland for an application form.