New research to strengthen services for people living with dementia mate wareware

We’re excited to share new research into the involvement of people with dementia mate wareware in the design, planning, governance, and delivery of services, and to identify the benefits of peer support groups is now underway.

We’ve commissioned Litmus to undertake this research which builds on previous research; This is our story and the Evaluation of services for people living with dementia.

Alzheimers NZ Policy and Research Advisor Dias Suwido says dementia mate wareware has an enormous impact on the lives of people affected by it, their whānau and care partners, and the health system.

“Cognitive impairments can hinder people with dementia mate wareware from expressing what they want and how they feel, which means their needs are often ignored or overlooked.

“We’re looking forward to finding out the current involvement of people living with dementia mate wareware in the design and delivery of services provided for them, and whether actions have been taken because of their involvement and advice.

“We also want to know factors that limit and enhance their contribution in the design and delivery of services provided for them.”

The research will be released at the Alzheimers NZ Repositioning Dementia one-day event in March next year and will be published on Alzheimers NZ website.

Findings from this research will be used to inform the work of Alzheimers NZ and local Alzheimers organisations, as well as government agencies in their policies and funding decisions.

This aligns with the second objective of the Dementia Mate Wareware Action Plan to support people living with dementia mate wareware and their whānau care partners to live their best possible lives.