Supporting family carers

Often the best support is from people who understand your situation.

We can help people who are caring for their loved one at home. It is well recognised that caregivers benefit from having clearly defined breaks from their caring role. Talk with your own GP/family doctor. It is important that you look after yourself.

Funded support is based on assessed need.

Funded support for carers is provided based on an assessment of your identified support needs, related to a short or long term health condition or disability.

What services support carers?

  • Day Activity Programme in the Community
  • Day care is a residential care facility
  • Overnight respite care in a residential care facility
  • Support for the carer in the home
  • Information and advocacy groups

Resources and groups to support carers

Carers New Zealand Helpline: 0800 777 797

Email: centre@carers.net.nz 

Website: http://www.carers.net.nz/ 

Download a guide from Carers New Zealand for older people caring for a partner, family member, or friend.

Dementia Wellington

Dementia Wellington is a community organisation that exists to make life better for all people in the Wellington region affected by dementia. For families we provide:

  • Individually-tailored advice, support, and information
  • Access to a range of support and socialisation groups
  • Education courses on how to live well with dementia or how to support someone through the progression of dementia

Phone: 04 972 2595

Email: admin@dementiawellington.org.nz

www.dementiawellington.org.nz

Physical Address: 55 Hutt Road, Petone, Wellington 5012

Postal Address: PO Box 39393, Wellington Mail Centre, Lower Hutt 5045

Parkinson’s New Zealand

Website: http://www.parkinsons.org.nz/

Parkinson’s New Zealand has 20 divisions, and the Committee of each division is made up of volunteers. Each division provides information, education, and opportunities for mutual support and social activities.

Divisions have Community Educators who provide practical, individual assistance and advice on local services.The divisions also raise awareness about Parkinson’s and funds to keep our services available.

Stroke Foundation of New Zealand

Website: www.stroke.org.nz

The Stroke Foundation is there to help and support people and their families/whānau affected by stroke. It can be challenging when it happens to you or to someone close, but many New Zealanders who have had a stroke go on to live healthy, functional lives.

Arthritis New Zealand

Website: www.arthritis.org.nz/

A national voluntary organisation which represents the interests of those with arthritis. Information on the condition and its treatment. Our services include:

  • Arthritis Educators who provide education and advice.
  • Support groups – regular meetings & social events eg. lupus support, 20 plus coffee group etc.
  • Referral to appropriate exercise and hydrotherapy classes.
  • Referral and liason with other local and national service providers.
  • Educational resources.
  • Community seminars and educational forums.
  • Professional body and corporate education seminars – including Living a Healthy Life Programme, Self Management of Chronic Conditions.

Phone: 0800 663 463

Physical address: 166 Featherston Street,Wellington 6011

Last updated 3 April 2024.