Summer Newsletter 2022

SUMMER RAUMATI NEWSLETTER 2022

MANAGERS MESSAGE

Kia ora koutou
We have had some wonderful moments over the past few months, the Memory walk along
the Warren Cole Walkway, the Christmas raffle, the Alzheimer's picnic, delivery of the
cognitive stimulation therapy program in Kawerau, Carer Support meetings, Volunteer
training, the donation of digital clocks from Quota, lots of Community talks and the very kind
Dave and Vicki Ngatai helping others by sharing their story about living with early onset
dementia.
Memory Walk

My whanau joined me on the Memory Walk this year to remember my dad Norman who had
Alzheimers. We had four generations (plus the dog) walking and had lots of fun. The Lions
Club volunteered their time to help set up and were Wardens on the day.
Thank you to everyone who made all our events possible, the Volunteers, the Sponsors and
Staff who do a lot more than they are paid to do!
Christmas is almost here. Whilst for many it is a joyous occasion, for those with dementia it
can be overwhelming and confusing. In this edition we have some tips to help prepare in
advance to make this a memorable time for everyone. Our team at Alzheimers EBOP wishes
you all a happy and safe holiday season.
Noho ora mai
Sue Cave, Manager

COGNITIVE STIMULATION THERAPY (CST)

In our last newsletter we talked about cognitive stimulation therapy and the benefits. Twice
a week for the past seven weeks we have had a group of wonderful ladies taking part in
this program delivered by Lesley Harris (Navigator), Paula Hocken (Volunteer) and assisted
by the lovely Popette.
The group have really enjoyed being together, having fun and actively participating in
stimulating activities. Their mornings are filled with laughter and song, and they have
developed some real friendships.
Here’s some of the feedback received:

• love the companionship, fun, laughter, and music
• Wonderful encouragement for Mum to leave the house, she is loving it
• Everyone has a laugh, laugh is a medicine
• Very much enjoy meeting the other ladies
• I am noticing that some members in the group are participating more
“I noticed this person was slightly hesitant to come along at the beginning. There would
be excuses as to why she couldn’t come along. Her husband and I encouraged her to
come to a session telling her that if the programme wasn’t for her, she didn’t have to
come back” these are her comments
“At the beginning I thought – no way, what a waste of time. Now I think oh yeah,
amazing, bloody wonderful. My husband asked me how it was after attending my first
session. I told him I love it! Even though I sometimes have to be reminded to attend, I
really enjoy it”

The CST Group enjoying a cuppa and creative activity with Paula.

CHRISTMAS WITH DEMENTIA

For most of us, Christmas is about family and friends visiting, lots of food, Christmas
decorations and presents. But for those with Dementia it can be strange people, noise, lots
of talking, disruption to routine and a sense of too much going on. Here’s a few tips that
may help make this a fun time for everyone.

1. Changes to routine
o Try to keep things as close to the usual routine as possible and plan ahead for any
changes
o Think about putting decorations up gradually over a few days so it doesn't come as
a big change all at once
o If the person with dementia is taking medication, ensure they have enough for the
festive season. Repeat prescriptions may be difficult during public holidays

2. Keep it simple and familiar
o Keep the day's activities low-key
o Stick to familiar routines – having meals at regular times and in familiar
surroundings helps to limit any potential confusion

3. Create a quiet space
o A large number of guests can be overwhelming, so ask family and friends to spread
out their visits over the festive period. If things do get busy designate one room in
your house as a quiet room where your loved one can relax without loud noise

4. Memories and traditions
o Use a range of options to evoke festive memories e.g., Christmas scented candles,
an old song or Christmas movie
o Find something fun the person with Dementia can take part in. It might be hanging
tinsel, making a photo album or memory box together or wrapping gifts
o Bring out the photos, ask the person with dementia about their happy Christmas
memories

5. Christmas food and drink
o A full plate can be daunting for someone who has difficulty eating. Don’t overload
the plate and serve smaller portions of softer food for those who have difficulty
swallowing
o Avoid having lots of different patterns and decorations at the dinner table. It is a
good idea to use a plain coloured tablecloth with plates of a different colour to
create a contrast
o Simple pre-meal traditions like saying grace, making a toast, or wishing everyone a
happy Christmas before eating can provide a social cue that food is coming

Conversations may be challenging for someone living with dementia. To help them out
use short and simple sentences, avoid complicated words, and try not to repeat things
multiple times.

VOLUNTEERS
What a great contribution our Volunteers have made. Some highlights include:

• Two successful fundraisers, the first raising over $600 thanks to the amazing efforts
of Chris, Sylvia, and their craft-making friends

• The running of Christmas Raffles in Whakatane, Kawerau and Opotiki
• Provision of a “befriender” service to those with dementia, giving the carer a break
• Participation in and helping at the Memory Walk
• Attending the three volunteer training sessions, with our Educator Fiona giving lots

of interesting information on understanding the brain
• Provision of the Wanda Trak service / fitting and monitoring of pendants
• Helping run the Opotiki Men's Shed. We are hoping to re-invigorate the Kawerau

Men’s Shed in 2023
Our Volunteer Coordinator Talia will be in touch again in the New Year with planned dates
for training and events.

Barbara and Sheryl: Raffle Sales Sylvia and Chris: Memory Walk Peter: Wanda Trak Pendants

CARER SUPPORT MEETINGS
The carer support meetings will start up again in the New Year. If you have any ideas for
guest speakers or information sharing, please let us know so this can be planned. We will
release the new meeting dates in our next Newsletter.

MEMORY CLOCKS EASE CONFUSION

Quota members Lyn Irving, Annette Steele and Kerren
Foreman presented Alzheimers EBOP Navigator Elayne
Tangitu with four Memory Digital Day Clocks.
These large screen clocks have clear displays that allow the
person with dementia to keep track of whether it is
morning or night, what day of the week it is and even what
year it is. They also have a medication alarm function.

The clocks can be loaned by contacting your Navigator.

Quota President, Annette Steele with Navigator, Elayne Tangitu
CONDOLENCES

We extend our deepest sympathy to those who
have lost a loved one recently.
We would like to thank all the families who have
requested donations to Alzheimer's EBOP to be
made in lieu of flowers.

BEQUESTS OR DONATIONS
If you would like to support our services and make a positive difference to the lives of many people
affected by Alzheimer’s and other Dementias, you may consider doing this in either of two ways:

1. A direct donation or bequest to Alzheimer's EBOP will help us provide ongoing services:
• By an online payment 03-0490-0180920-00 using your name as reference
• As a one-off or by regular payments
• By provision in your will
• Leaving a fixed sum or percentage of your estate to Alzheimer's EBOP.

2. A donation to Eastern Bay of Plenty Community Foundation Endowment Fund for Alzheimers
EBOP, usually by a one-off payment or by provision in your will. This is a “gift that keeps on
giving” as every year income is received by way of investment growth of the Endowment Fund.

Remember you can claim a tax credit from IRD (using form IR526) at the end of the tax year if,
during that year, you:

• donated $5.00 or more to Alzheimers Eastern Bay of Plenty
• are a NZ tax resident
• received taxable income

SUBSCRIPTIONS

We at Alzheimer’s Eastern Bay of Plenty are able to keep up the work we do through the income of
Subscriptions, Donations and Grants that we receive. An annual subscription of $25 covers the
whole family and covers the period from 1st June to 31st May each year. This subscription helps us

produce the newsletter to keep you informed about what we do.

Subscriptions are now due for 2022/2023 If you are joining for the first time, please direct
credit and send these details to our email

MEMBERSHIP 2022/2023

ALZHEIMERS SOCIETY EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY INCORPORATED
Name:

Phone No:

Address:

Email address:

Annual subscription for a family: $25.00

Plus Donation $ Total: $

Send payment to:

Alzheimers Society Eastern Bay of Plenty, PO Box 13, WHAKATANE 3158

or you can direct credit

03-0490-0180920-00 using your name as reference

ALZHEIMERS SOCIETY EASTERN BAY 0F PLENTY INCORPORATED

Chairperson Jenny Dowthwaite

Board Members Pat Kane

Peter Hill

Bryce Sheedy

Vacancy

Manager Sue Cave

Educator Fiona Hutcheson

Navigators Elayne Tangitu

Lesley Harris

Volunteer Programme Co-ordinator Talia Spackman

Office Administrator Heather Balcombe

Finances Dallas Cooke

Newsletter Editor Vacant

The Alzheimers new storybook,
Detective Luka and the Great Memory Mystery,

is available for pre-order

Four out of five New Zealanders know or have known someone living with
dementia, and supporting people, especially young people, on how to live well

with a dementia diagnosis in the whānau is much needed.

Find out more online: http://ow.ly/lE6550LvxP4

0525

THANKS TO OUR ADVERTISERS

OHOPE BEACH CARE

We have dedicated experienced staff Home Care Services
providing a high standard of personalised Community Services
care, visiting in-house Doctor, daily Independent Living Service
Diversional Therapy activities catering for Advocacy/Information Services
individual needs, group settings and regular
outings and in-house church services. We also provide
Families and friends always welcome, we Conference Room Hire, Equipment Hire, On-site
provide a safe secure homely environment.
Library and Internet access.
Inquiries and Inspection welcome Hearing therapist, Stroke & Brain Injury and COPD &

Post-Polio
Field Officers on site.
We are a totally committed and professional team
who can assist with any of the above Service needs.
Telephone 07 307 1447 Fax 07 307 0229

Email: [email protected] Website: www.drct.co.nz

MARY SHAPLEY RETIREMENT VILLAGE

A Bupa Village that combines the best features of a Rest
Home and Hospital Facilities.
Independent Units, Companionship and Security.
4 Spencer Lane Whakatane
Phone 07 308 5457 Enquires Welcome

Alzheimers Society Eastern Bay of Plenty Incorporated www.alzheimers.org.nz/eastern-bay-of-plenty
Lightning Hub, 1st Floor, 193-195 The Strand, Whakatane 3120
Phone 0800 004 001
P O Box 13
Whakatane 3158