12376 (2026). Ingrid Leary to the Associate Minister of Health

12376 (2026). Ingrid Leary to the Associate Minister of Health: How does the government support those with Young-onset Dementia to access age-appropriate day support care, other than those services used by predominantly older peoples, if at all?

Hon Casey Costello: I am advised Health New Zealand commissioned seven new service trials in June 2023 under the Dementia Mate Wareware Action Plan implementation programme. These trials focus on priority populations, including Māori, Pacific peoples, people living in rural areas, and people with younger onset dementia. One of these service trials includes a respite day programme in the South Island that is specifically designed to support people with younger onset dementia. These service trials will run until June 2027, and the findings of these trials will provide important information to support future planning decisions for dementia services, including services for people with younger onset dementia. I am further advised that Health New Zealand funds services such as short-term respite, such as day programmes. In addition, Health New Zealand funds several dementia NGOs, some of which offer services or programmes specifically for younger people.