Horowhenua StarNew Zealand is on the brink of a dementia tsunami and Horowhenua – with about 25 percent of the population aged 65 or older – is a district expected to be hit harder than most.
Talking about dementia to create a climate of acceptance and support was the general view of more than 100 people who gathered in Levin for the annual Memory Walk on Wednesday this week, aimed at raising awareness of Alzheimers disease and dementia.
Levin couple Jan and Val Winderburn, who were dressed up in support of the Memory Walk in Levin on Wednesday. Photo Paul Williams
It’s been identified as one of the biggest health challenges facing the country.
According to the latest Auckland University research, an estimated 500 new cases are diagnosed every week.
One in four New Zealanders will die from dementia, with cases expected to double in the next 20 years, and an estimated 170,000 cases by 2050.
Alzheimers Society Manawatū, which covers Horowhenua, Tararua and Ōtaki regions, runs support groups for people living with Alzheimers and dementia, and also respite and support groups for families and primary caregivers.
That caregiver support can be so important.
Levin couple Jan and Val Winderburn have been together on an Alzheimers journey for a few years now, ever since Val’s diagnosis.
Jan says it’s important to have support and having Val attend support groups for a few hours allows him time to attend to general jobs that need to be done around the home.
“It gives me a break, to go out the back and talk to the cows and get a bit of work done, otherwise your whole world will stop if you let it,” he says.
“You have to look after yourself, too. There is support out there, but you need to take it. Everybody is on the same boat in this group. I hope by sharing, it normalises it and it’s great to see people wearing purple.”
Alzheimers Manawatū dementia adviser Liam Walsh says the support group runs Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday in Levin at the Freemasons Hall in Parker Avenue, between 10am and 3pm.
There are carer support groups that meet weekly, too, to chat with people who share and understand, and can provide support and share practical knowledge.
Dementia advisor Andrea Hodgetts says a separate group of women who exchanged contact details now meet regularly together, as they all work fulltime and can’t make the daytime support group.
“It’s all about that connection. You get the diagnosis, but you need help and support on the journey,” she says.
For more information email manawatu@alz-man.org.nz or ring 06 357 9539.
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