How to get help

These advisors can provide you with expert advice and support throughout your journey.  

Your GP has access to your medical history and can perform initial diagnostic tests and assessments to determine if you have a type of dementia.  

They can also rule out other conditions. 

If you are worried about yourself: It is a really good idea to ask someone to go to the GP appointment with you, rather than going alone. 

If you are worried about someone else: Sensitively voice your concerns with them and encourage them to go to their GP. If the person does not want to see a GP, you may want to consider mentioning your concerns to their GP yourself as they can provide information about support and advice. 

• Discussing medical history 
• Talking to whānau (with appropriate permission) 
• Undergoing a physical examination 
• Laboratory tests, which may include a blood and urine tests 
• Cognitive testing, which assesses how the brain is working – in particular memory, language, attention span and problem solving 
• Brain imaging, which looks at the brain’s structure and is used to rule out other medical conditions or diagnose the particular type of dementia mate wareware 
• Mental health assessment, which may identify treatable conditions such as depression, and to manage some symptoms experienced as part of the dementia mate wareware 

Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand) contract Supportlinks as the local Needs Assessment and Service Coordination Service (NASC) agency to do an assessment. 

To request a referral for a needs assessment contact Supportlinks. 

• Email: supportlinks@supportlinks.org.nz 
• Freephone: 0800 221 411 
• Address: Supportlinks, Palmerston North Hospital, 50 Ruahine Street, Palmerston North.   

Supportlinks service area includes Palmerston North, Dannevirke, Feilding, Levin, Foxton, Himatangi, Otaki and Pahiatua. 

Live independently with help that includes: 

• Home help 
• Personal care help (showering, dressing, medication management) 
• Respite care 
• Carer relief 
• WanderSearch programs 
• Day programs like Alzheimers Manawatu’s Marion Kennedy Club programs in Palmerston North, Feilding, Levin and Dannevirke which our Dementia Advisors can help you with. Alzheimers Manawatu care about the carers too; these programs provide respite for the carers.
• Carer support groups are also run by Alzheimers Manawatu.

or 

Transition you into an assisted living facility. 

Alzheimers Manawatu run  memory cafes to help families whose person with dementia has moved into an assisted living facility.

The assessment case manager will advise you on the relevant financial support the person with dementia or their family/ carers are eligible for. 

For someone in residential care: 

They may be entitled to a Residential Care Subsidy (RCS) if they cannot fully afford the cost of residential care. This requires a means and asset test conducted by Work and Income. 

For someone living independently with support: 

They may be eligible for a Carer Support Subsidy from Work and Income.  

The Supported Living Payment could also be appropriate as it is for individuals who provide full-time care for someone at home. 

Wherever you or a family member are in your journey with dementia,  

Alzheimers Manawatu will walk with you the whole way.