Last updated – Monday 16th November 2020
Information about Covid-19
You can find up to date information on the government Unite Against Covid-19 website. Advice for vulnerable and at-risk people can be found here.
Primary healthcare services are operating as normal. So if you have any concerns or issues about yourself or someone else, do contact your GP.
Healthline have a dedicated Covid-19 number you can call on 0800 358 5453. For any other medical issues, call 0800 611 116.
Help and support for people living with dementia
As we respond to the shifting Covid-19 alert levels, we remain prepared for further changes to how we are working.
The outbreak of Covid-19 is likely to have had a big impact on all of us. We are here to support you.
Advice and support:
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Worried about yourself or someone you know?
The early signs of dementia include changes in memory, thinking, behaviour, personality and emotions. If you are worried about changes you've noticed in yourself or someone else, it's very important to see a GP. If the symptoms are caused by dementia, an early diagnosis means early access to support, information, and any appropriate medication will be available, and there will be time to plan for the future.
The 10 signs of dementia
Getting a diagnosis
Emergency Support Plans
If you don’t already have one, preparing an emergency support plan is really important. Emergency Support Plans contain essential information to help you and the person you care for if your routine is disrupted. If you have difficulty filling out parts of it, a family or friend might be able to assist you by phone or email.
Get an Emergency Support Plan here
Local services
Local Alzheimers organisations are also here to support you, and are making some changes as required to enable them to be flexible and continue to provide services safely.
This includes changes to support groups, day programmes and other activities. Organisations may return to offering some of their services online, and this will be reviewed depending on the alert level in place for that particular region.
We are always looking at different ways we can help you access the support you need, in a way that works for you. Reach out to your local organisation and talk to them about what's available.
Click here to find and contact your local organisation.
Looking after your wellbeing during this time
It is okay to feel worried, anxious or tired. Take the time to look after yourself. Reach out to people who make you feel loved and supported.
You can also find more information on the Mental Health Foundation and the Depression NZ websites. For support with grief, anxiety, distress or mental wellbeing, you can call or text 1737 to talk with a trained counsellor for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You may also like to try Mentemia and Melon, two free apps to help support mental wellbeing.
Useful links
Information for kaumātua - Te Rōpu Whakakaupapa Urutā
Office for Seniors
St John Caring Callers
WeCare.Kiwi
All Right?
Student Volunteer Army Grocery Delivery Service
Continence NZ - Tips during lockdown
Key telephone numbers
- Covid-19 Healthline - 0800 358 5453
- General health issues Healthline - 0800 358 5453
- For emergencies - 111
- Elder Abuse Helpline - 0800 32 668 65
- Ministry of Social Development (MSD) Senior Services line - 0800 552 002
- Government Helpline - 0800 779 997
Survey - The impact of Covid-19
For many people living with dementia, the outbreak of Covid-19 has led to increased feelings of stress, loneliness and isolation. Our recent survey showed that over a third said that they had noticed a decline in cognitive ability as a result of not being able to take part in their usual activities and services, and 59% said dementia symptoms had increased during lockdown.
This survey ran in October and received 147 valid responses from respondents across New Zealand. 5% of respondents were people living with dementia, 73% were care partners of a person living with dementia at home and 15% had a loved one living in a residential care facility.
We will be regularly reviewing and updating this page as the situation around Covid-19 changes and develops.
Information and resources for health professionals can be found here.