Canterbury

In the early 1980s there was little public awareness of Alzheimer’s disease in New Zealand and virtually no support services were available to people with dementia and their carers. This prompted a small group of Christchurch social workers to form the first ever support group in New Zealand dedicated to helping people care for those with dementia.

Support groups for carers remain an integral part of Alzheimers Canterbury and as the organisation has grown and developed, it has incorporated the important roles of education, volunteering, advocacy and support to all people affected by dementia. Alzheimers Canterbury's services have now been extended and now covers the West Coast, Ashburton region, North Canterbury and Kaikoura.

Our Social Work service is an integral part of the support offered by Alzheimers Canterbury to people diagnosed with dementia and their families/whānau.

The social work team can assist people with:

• understanding dementia
• coming to terms with a diagnosis
• adapting to changes within relationships
• grief and loss related to change
• education and information
• future planning
• reducing stress and social isolation
• managing behavioural changes
• legal and financial issues
• abuse/neglect
• providing Total Mobility Taxi Vouchers