RETIREMENT 12
ADVERTISING FEATURE Saturday, May 26, 2018 Ashburton Guardian
Living well with dementia Dementia Canterbury is a not-for-profit organisation that provides a range of services in Ashburton, Christchurch, North Canterbury, the West Coast and Kaikoura such as groups, social work support and education. Dementia Canterbury aims to assist people with dementia to live fulfilling lives and has a focus on “living well”. Dementia is the umbrella term for a number of brain conditions that cause a progressive decline in cognition and functioning. The most common type of dementia is alzheimers disease which makes up 50 to 70 per cent of dementia cases. There are well over 70 different types of dementia. Some of the most common types include vascular dementia (which can be caused by a stroke), Lewy Body and frontotemporal dementia. Everyone who has dementia is unique and symptoms can vary greatly. Functions that can be affected are memory, communication, behaviour, language, perception and judgement. Anyone who is worried about noticeable changes in their memory or other related symptoms are recommended to have a conversation with their GP. This ensures that any other possible causes of these changes can be ruled out or treated.
If dementia is diagnosed a GP may discuss medication options. As part of the National Dementia Framework, medical practitioners are guided by The Cognitive Impairment Health Pathway which provides recommended referral options such as Dementia Canterbury and Older Person’s Health Services. In Ashburton, Dementia Canterbury offers support from a social worker and monthly groups, including a group for
people with dementia, a carer support group for the main carer, and a social outing group for the person with dementia and their family member. This year Dementia Canterbury is providing two education seminars locally, the first Talk Dementia with a Doctor is already fully subscribed. The next seminar to be held later in the year, will also host a guest speaker and focus on a different topic. All services are provided free of charge
and the organisation relies heavily on fundraising, volunteers and the generosity of New Zealanders. The organisation is always on the look out for volunteers who may like to visit with a person who has dementia on a weekly or fortnightly basis for companionship. For further information please call 0800 444 776. Advertising feature
Ashburton He Manaakitanga Kaumatua
• • • •
206 Club – 3 days per week Advocacy for older persons Courtesy drivers using own vehicle Health & Fitness * SAYGo: Steady as you go – falls prevention * Hip Hop for Seniors All enquiries for what is available through our organisation phone 308 6817.
206 Cameron Street, Ashburton
Dementia Canterbury works on the premise that there is much that can be done to assist people living with dementia to continue to have fulfilling lives, as well as supporting those who care for a person with dementia. Dementia Canterbury has a focus on “living well”. We provide a range of regular groups, Social Work support and education aimed at enhancing the lives of people in the community affected by this condition.
Address: 3/49 Sir William Pickering Drive, Burnside, Christchurch Postal Address: PO Box 20567, Christchurch Phone: 03 379 2590 or 0800 444 776 Email: admin@dementiacanterbury.org.nz Website: www.dementiacanterbury.org.nz
Whatever your choices, whatever your traditions, whatever your budget, I’m here to help you express your wishes your way. Ashburton’s only locally owned funeral home 18-22 Moore Street, Ashburton P 0800 263 6679 | M 027 637 1229 | E jo@memoryfunerals.nz