You’ve probably come here because you have a relative or friend who has, or might have dementia. There may be a few things that you’re concerned about, like how to cope, what to expect and what’s likely to happen in the future. We can help you with these questions and as New Zealand’s largest provider of dementia care, our information here is drawn from a wide range of expert experience and knowledge.
Finding helpful information on dementia and dementia care can be difficult. There may be a few things that you would like to know; what is dementia?, what should you expect in the future? what dementia care options are there?
As New Zealand’s largest provider of dementia care we can help. The information you’ll find on these pages is drawn from a wide range of experience and knowledge. We hope you find it useful.
Bupa is committed to shaping New Zealand’s dementia care and ensuring that people living with dementia lead happier lives, for as long as they can. This is why we are exploring what we can do to help to create dementia-friendly communities, as well as helping people living with dementia in care homes. We do that by putting the person first, and understanding their individual needs.
Are you caring for someone living with dementia?
Over 60,000 New Zealanders have a dementia diagnosis. It affects 2 out of 3 New Zealanders [1] — people living with dementia, their family, friends and carers — so you are not alone.
Here are some downloads containing tips, advice and support which you may find helpful:
- Understanding dementia – a guide for carers and support people. If you would prefer a hard copy of this book, you can order one for free using our general enquiries form.
- Communicating and Connecting – tips on communicating with people living with dementia.
[1] Source: Alzheimer’s NZ http://www.alzheimers.org.nz/news-info/nz-information/awareness-in-nz
Dementia Expertise
Our passionate care team are trained to a high standard to ensure we are consistently providing excellent care to all residents. They practice person-centred training, which we call ‘Person First’, which teaches the team to tailor care to suit the needs and preferences of every resident.
When a person moves to a Bupa care home we sit with them and their family/Whānau to complete their ‘map of life’ so that we know their history, preferences and what makes them, them. This approach is provided to everyone in our homes, and is especially important for those living with dementia.
Beth McDougall – Dementia Care Advisor
Beth leads our face-to-face dementia training in New Zealand, helping people to understand dementia and the effects it has on people living with it and their families. Beth is also an executive member of the New Zealand National Dementia Cooperative.