Whanganui Regional Health Network and Alzheimers Whanganui partner to continue dementia therapy programme

Whanganui Regional Health Network has partnered with Alzheimers Whanganui to allow the continuation of cognitive stimulation therapy. Pictured (from left) is Alzheimers Whanganui manager Renee Clark with WRHN occupational therapist Tori Bensemann and nurse practitioner – ageing well lead Rebecca Casey.

A cognitive stimulation therapy programme for people living with dementia will be delivered in a new partnership between the Whanganui Regional Health Network and Alzheimers Whanganui.

Whanganui’s first Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) programme was launched under the Whanganui Regional Health Network (WRHN) and designed to provide evidence-based and person-centred support to those living with dementia in the community.

Occupational therapist Tori Bensemann and nurse practitioner and ageing well lead at WRHN, Rebecca Casey, have been the drivers of the programme.

“CST uses various therapies to improve quality of life and confidence,” Bensemann said.

“Feedback from participants and whānau noted participants were far more chatty at home, whilst others reported they are more confident to get out and about. It’s enjoyable and there is a lot of laughter and fun.”

The CST programme’s future had been in question with the contract ending and Bensemann preparing to go on maternity leave.

Alzheimers Whanganui will become the new facilitators in a 12-month contract beginning on July 1.

“Through the whānau voices collected at WRHN, it’s clear that people living with dementia/mate wareware – and their whānau – want timely access to the knowledge, tools and support available to manage their journey,” Casey said.

WRHN called the new partnership a natural next step as Alzheimers Whanganui has been helping those in the community living with dementia since 1986.

“We also acknowledge our partners from Elders Community Mental Health, who have co-facilitated CST and played an important role in CST delivery,” Casey said.

For more information about CST sessions and how to participate, contact Alzheimers Whanganui on 06 345 8833.