NZ dementia numbers hit more than 40,000

MEDIA RELEASE

June 16, 2011

NZ dementia numbers hit more than 40,000

There are currently more than 40,000 people in New Zealand with some form of dementia, according to latest statistics.

Meanwhile there are another 50,000 people whose lives are also affected: the family caregivers who work each day caring for loved ones who are no longer able to care for themselves.

"While many outreach efforts target the sufferers of dementia, there is little available to help caregivers who may feel isolated and overwhelmed by their responsibilities. That's why we have published a new free guide "Dementia Care: A Guide for Family Caregivers" specifically for caregivers of people with dementia," comments Neil Farnworth of Home Instead Senior Care , New Zealand's largest in-home senior care provider.

Mr Farnworth says that in addition to explaining some of the basic facts about the different forms of dementia, this 20-page booklet looks at practical ways of dealing with some of the most common issues associated with dementia. It also gives an insight into how the person with dementia feels and reacts to certain situations so the caregiver can better understand their behaviour.

Dementia Care at Home was compiled by Joanne Flood, a Registered Psychiatric Nurse with eleven years' experience in dementia care. The booklet includes her "Top Ten Tips for Dealing with Dementia Symptoms."

To order a free copy of 'Dementia Care at Home: A Guide for Family Caregivers' carers can contact their local Home Instead Senior Care office. They can also download a copy of the guide from www.homeinstead.co.nz.

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