Greater Outcomes with the Dementia Mate Wareware Initiative

Strengthening Our Response.

In New Zealand, there’s a significant gap in support for kaumātua (older people) who are affected by dementia.

Presbyterian Support Upper South Island has been funded by Te Whatu Ora as the lead agency to pilot delivering additional care and support to individuals affected by dementia/ mate wareware their whānau and caregivers.

We’re proud to be working with a wide range of providers such as other Presbyterian Support regions, Alzheimer's NZ, Dementia Canterbury, and Allied Community Health, to implement 17 dementia mate wareware HomeShare programmes each week across Te Waipounamu/South Island.

Six of these new programmes will be hosted in the Presbyterian Support Upper South Island region.

Kim Manahi, our Pou Ārahi/Co-CEO, is working to establish partnerships with different providers and communities including Māori communities, and local marae to strengthen our response to this vulnerable group of people. Her whakapapa connection to the Ngā Hau e Wha marae is instrumental in driving the development of these programmes.

Kim shared her insights regarding this initiative. “There’s a lot of work to do in this space, and thankfully, we’ve already started the journey. It’s a privilege to work on this initiative and drive greater outcomes for kaumātua”.

We believe that everyone has the right to age with dignity and to enjoy life to the fullest extent possible.

We offer activity programmes, in-home support, along with falls prevention assistance. We also extend our assistance to caregivers, recognising the vital role they play, and advocate for the rights and entitlements of older individuals/kaumātua.

Together, we are supporting brighter minds and better futures.