Our services

To be eligible for Wither Road Club, the person with dementia will have been referred by a member of the medical profession after a diagnosis of dementia is made.

Referrals can also be received by our community workers from concerned members of family, neighbours etc. Our community workers will guide the carers and people with dementia through the process of obtaining funding from the Nelson Marlborough District Heath Board (NMDHB) Support Works.  Then assessing the suitability of the person with dementia for the Wither Road Club and helping the carer complete the necessary paperwork.

We like to have a history of the person with dementia including past interests, family etc. This helps staff at Alzheimers Marlborough get to know the club member and to provide information for conversation and interests at the club.

Transport:
The Wither Road Club has vans for picking up club members. This van is also used for outings and day trips. The van driver leaves the club about 9am so the club member may be picked up any time between 9 and 10am, depending on the route. The van leaves the club at 3.15pm so the club member will be dropped off sometime after this. Families can arrange their own transport if preferred.

Venue:
The club is situated at The Alzheimers Centre, 8 Wither Road, Witherlea, Blenheim. This purposely built facility meets the needs of club members, providing a homely welcoming environment. The gardens, some raised to enable all members to potter, are enjoyed by club members.

Charges:
Clients who attend the Wither Road Club receive funding from Health NZ which is paid to Alzheimers Marlborough directly.

If the person with dementia is not eligible for this funding, private members fees will be discussed before starting at the Club.  A disability allowance may be available through WINZ.

We want carers to have a relaxing “day off”, whilst their loved one is at club.

Carers can also take advantage of the Education being offered, or the social get-togethers organised by Alzheimers Marlborough.

A Community Worker is always available if you have a problem you want to talk over.

For further information please contact us on (03) 577 6172 or email office.marlb@alzheimers.org.nz

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

The community support team can assist people with:

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

One of our community workers can arrange to meet you and/or your family/whanau at your home or at the Alzheimers Marlborough Centre to discuss any concerns or needs you may have. Community support enables you to access information, educational courses, and materials and services from Alzheimers Marlborough and the wider community. Based on your choices and unique situation, a community worker will advocate on your behalf when necessary and will assist you in coping with change, in order to achieve the best outcome possible.

Referrals for community support can come via the Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation team, GPs and Practice Nurses, Older Persons Mental Health for the elderly, and any other service within the NMDHB. You may also self-refer in order to access community work support by speaking to a community worker at the Alzheimers Marlborough Centre situated at 8 Wither Road, within our opening hours (Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 4.30 pm) or by calling (03) 577 6172.

Alongside individual and family casework, our community workers also facilitate support and social groups throughout the year at the Alzheimers Marlborough Centre to maximise the support and information available to clients.