Services
Both require:
- Information
- Education
- One on one support
- Meeting others for friendship and mutual support.
The Care Partner needs a regular break from their caring role. The person with dementia/mate wareware needs an accepting, non judgmental environment where they are treated with respect.
For The Person With Dementia Still Living At Home We Have:
- ‘The Group’ providing social contact and companionship for people who are socially isolated, have memory loss and/or early to advanced dementia/mate wareware. These are outings to various places in the community, which helps keep our members feeling they are part of the community and can still be actively involved. It is also a great way of raising the awareness of dementia/mate wareware to people in the community, so they can see it is a disease that can affect all types of people. Normal interactions for our members with other people in the community helps make our members feel accepted.
CST - Cognitive Stimulation Therapy
What is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)?
CST is a structured, group-based programme for people with mild to moderate dementia/mate wareware. It involves themed sessions using fun and engaging activities – such as word games, music, current events, and reminiscence – to gently stimulate thinking, memory and communication skills.
Each session is designed to be interactive and enjoyable, encouraging participants to share experiences and ideas in a supportive environment.
The programme runs seven weeks, twice per week (total of 14 sessions) for one hour with 5-8 participants.
The group is facilitated by a trained CST Facilitator and Co-facilitator.
What’s the benefits of attending CST?
CST is an evidenced based programme, shown to improve cognitive function, mood, confidence and quality of life for people with mild to moderate dementia. This programme aims to provide participants with tools to take home and use in their dementia/mate wareware journey.
How can I join?
If you or your whānau member have a diagnosis of dementia/mate wareware, your Health Professional can refer you;
or you can self-refer by contacting us on 06 345 8833 or cst@alzheimerswhanganui.org.nz
Once your referral has been received, the CST Facilitator will call you regarding the enrolment and starting the group programme.
Upcoming CST dates
Coming soon!
For more information, please contact
CST Facilitator
Phone: 06 345 8833
For The Carer / Partner / Family / Whānau We Have:
- ‘The Group’ – providing regular weekly contact with and support from our organisation and a break from their caring role.
- Six week Whānau Wellbeing & Dementia Workshop – providing an understanding of dementia/mate wareware, help available and the importance of self care for the Care partner. If they don’t take care of themselves they may not be there to care for their partner/ family/whānau member.
- Monthly Carer Support Group
We also promote greater public awareness and understanding of dementia/mate wareware, through our quarterly newsletters; regular articles and newspaper press releases; our staff are available to speak to community groups; public lectures by notable speakers; participating in public expos and education in rest homes as requested.
We believe it is extremely important for each and everyone to feel connected to their community, to have a purpose in life, to feel happy about themselves and to have choices.
Our interrelated support programme, which includes: The Group – community activities for the person with dementia; Support groups for carers families and whānau; home visits, education workshops for carers.
Support groups for carers / families / whānau
An opportunity for the carer to meet other carers where they can share both the joys and challenges of caring with others who understand. This is an all women group that meet on the last Friday of each month. We are looking at the possibility of having an informal meet for men on a different day.
Carer Support Group - Whanganui
Last Friday each month at 10 am – 11 am.
At certain times we arrange a speaker to talk to the group.
“When you sit down with others who have shared your experience,
you feel a sense of closeness and connection that no professional relationship can match”.
For details:
Phone: 345 8833
Email: livingwell@alzheimerswhanganui.org.nz
Individual Support
You are encouraged to phone or call into the office for support, information or advice. Home visits are arranged as required.
Suite 4, 236 Victoria Ave, Whanganui.
Phone: 06 345 8833
WanderSearch Tracking System
The WanderSearch Tracking system is operating in Whanganui and Rangitīkei, with the pendants being obtained from Alzheimers Whanganui. It is setup for people living with dementia/autism who walk from their place of residence. However it can be used for other people who walk, run or cycle and have the potential of becoming disorientated or lost. The system is comprised of a pendant which is worn by the person living with dementia/autism. The pendent emits a pulse using a specific frequency that is detected using a Radio Tracking Unit and a directional Finding Aerial.
Further inquiries please contact Alzheimers Whanganui.