Waitaki Library to become even more Dementia Friendly

Waitaki District Libraries in Ōamaru has signed up to become formally recognised as Dementia Friendly. 

The library recently registered for the ‘Dementia Friendly Recognition Programme’, which is an accreditation and recognition programme for organisations to become dementia friendly. 

The number of organisations enrolled in Alzheimers NZ’s ‘Dementia Friendly Recognition Programme’ doubled in 2023. 

This number includes seven libraries from across the country who are seeking recognition. Two libraries – also in the South Island – have already been recognised as Working To Be Dementia Friendly. 

Once it completes the programme, Waitaki District Library will have met the core criteria of the recognised Dementia Friendly standards and will be formally recognised as ‘Working To Be Dementia Friendly’. 

The library’s Dementia Friendly Programme Lead Eileen Armstrong is really excited about the journey. 

“We’re very much a community hub and we serve an older community. 

“Over time, we’ve noted an increase in the number of whānau and care partners looking for resources and information about dementia. 

“Becoming a Dementia Friendly community library is another way we can serve our community better and provide the kind of services and support our community needs and values.” 

The library started its Dementia Friendly journey in early January 2023 and Eileen says it’s an ongoing one.  

They already have a number of resources and books specifically for people living with dementia, and most of the library staff have completed Alzheimers NZ’s Dementia Friends online learning module. 

Waitaki Library work alongside Alzheimers Otago, who are supportive of their commitment to Dementia Friendly. Once a month, the library hosts their support group for people in the community living with dementia to live their best possible life.   

“It’s very humbling and emotional to see these people come in and feel part of something,” Eileen says.  “To feel like they belong again and that they are part of the community. 

“I know the formal Dementia Friendly work the library is now doing will only add to this.  It really will help us change people’s lives.” 

Alzheimers NZ Chief Executive Catherine Hall is keen to see Waitaki District Library recognised for this Dementia Friendly mahi/work and become a Dementia Friendly library. 

Organisations keen to become more dementia friendly can do so via the Alzheimers NZ website. 

“We all need to do more and better for our elderly, especially those living with dementia mate wareware and their care partners, and I applaud the fact Waitaki District Library is taking up this very important challenge.” 

Caption: Eileen Armstrong (left) and Jenny Bean (right) with their Memory Care Collection at Ōamaru Library