Support Pathways for Dementia & Mate Wareware

For: People diagnosed with dementia, their families, and caregivers.

Guide review recorded: 2026-06-12. This is the saved guide review date; later source access dates do not mean the guide was reviewed again.

Short Summary

Access diagnostic resources, support groups, respite services, and safety planning to navigate cognitive changes.

Steps & Guidance

1
Obtain a clinical diagnosis
Consult your GP for cognitive tests and referral to a geriatrician or psychogeriatrician if needed.
2
Connect with local support organisations
Reach out to Alzheimers NZ or Dementia NZ for education, support groups, and home navigation services.
3
Access respite care
Use the Carer Support Subsidy or residential day-stay programmes to give primary carers regular breaks.
4
Implement safety measures
Evaluate home safety, consider tracking technology, and establish legal protections (EPAs) early.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Waiting too long to set up EPAs, until the individual is deemed to have lost legal capacity.
Primary carers neglecting their own physical and mental health needs, leading to carer burnout.

Documents & Info to Prepare

Medical assessment reports and cognitive tests.
List of questions for dementia navigators.

Key Contacts

Alzheimers New Zealand

Detail: 0800 004 001

Visit Alzheimers New Zealand site

Dementia New Zealand

Detail: 0800 4 ddeemmeennttiiaa

Visit Dementia New Zealand site

Recorded Evidence & Documents

These are the guide's saved evidence links. They may include official guidance, historical records, community sources or research captures. Recorded class and source dates do not establish current entitlement or independently verified guidance.