Funding from Budget 22 to support people with dementia mate wareware and their carers and whānau is well underway with the establishment of the new Dementia Leadership and Advisory Group and a Dementia Network.

The Dementia Mate Wareware Action Plan was developed by Alzheimers NZ, Dementia NZ, New Zealand Dementia Foundation and the Mate Wareware Advisory Rōpū. Three intiatives funded through Budget 22 will support people with dementia mate wareware and their carers and whānau.

Budget 2022 secured $12 million over four years to support the following initiatives of the Dementia Mate Wareware Action Plan.

About the initiatives
1. Establishment of dementia governance
Dementia governance will comprise two key components – the Dementia Leadership and Advisory Group (DLG) and the Dementia Network (the Network).

The NZ Dementia Foundation will support Dementia Governance by providing secretariat services to the DLG and coordination services to the Network.

Dementia governance integrates leadership and operational insights by including sector-based groups, consumer and clinical representation and subject matter experts. It sets up a way of working that strengthens relationships and advice through two-way communication between the DLG and the Network on issues related to the implementation of the Dementia Mate Wareware Action Plan.

2. Four post-diagnostic support trials
Four post-diagnostic support trials which will consist of six-sessions each for newly diagnosed people with dementia, including a suite of information and guidance to support these sessions. In addition, further targeted post-diagnostic support, such as cognitive stimulation therapy, can be provided as appropriate. A mix of individual and group sessions can be provided – depending on the individual need, age and stage of dementia.

3. Dementia navigators
Dementia Navigators will be recruited to coordinate post-diagnostic support and work with people with dementia and their whānau and carers in trial locations. This will be managed locally through community organisations, including Dementia NZ, Alzheimers NZ, Kaupapa Māori and Pacific service providers. There will be up to 12 positions across the trial sites.

4. Innovative respite for carers
A trial will test innovative respite options for carers. The regions could undertake a commissioning process, with input from carers, dementia sector interests and targeted population groups to implement initiatives in localities.