The growing cost of dementia

Around 70,000 kiwis are living with dementia today – this number is expected to reach a staggering 170,000 by 2050 according to Alzheimers NZ.   Locally 170 families are being supported by Alzheimers South Canterbury and Manager Rosie Chambers says, “This is just the tip of the iceberg, there are many more people that we don’t know about in our region.” Supporting these families comes at a cost and this is why Alzheimers South Canterbury has recently started a Community Fund through the Aoraki Foundation.

Alzheimers South Canterbury is a local charity supporting people with memory loss and/or dementia in our community.  They are committed to ‘walking the journey’ with those living with memory loss and/or dementia.

“We want people with dementia to live their best lives and remain active and engaged members of their communities.”  - Rosie Chambers

However, dementia doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed, it affects all those around them. When a person is diagnosed with dementia, partners or family members are often thrust into the role of carer. Rosie explains, “Looking after a person with memory loss or dementia can be very challenging, it is often a full-time role where you are in a constant state of alertness, and the mental and physical toll can be immense.’’

The demands of supporting the increasing number of people with dementia has a huge financial, emotional, and social cost in South Canterbury, Rosie says this problem is only increasing, “As our population ages the number of people living with dementia in our community is forecast to rise significantly.” In addition to the aging population the team at Alzheimers are seeing an increasing frequency of dementia presenting in younger age groups.

With only 4% of their operating costs funded through the health system, this leaves a huge shortfall each year to provide these critical services in South Canterbury.  Rosie says,

“We rely heavily on donations, fundraising, and community grants to keep going, our local board recognises the importance of securing a sustainable funding model and this has led us to start our own Community Fund with the Aoraki Foundation.”

The Alzheimers South Canterbury Fund is a new way for individuals, families, and businesses to support this critical service. All donations or bequests will be invested for the long-term benefit of Alzheimers South Canterbury. Kirsty Burnett, Gift & Community Advisor of the Aoraki Foundation says, “We are calling on the community to get behind this fund and help build a reliable and ongoing source of income for those doing the mahi and supporting people affected by dementia in our region.”  If you would like to know more or to support this fund by donating, please call 687 7363 or email kirsty@aorakifoundation.org.nz