43910 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Associate Minister of Health

43910 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Associate Minister of Health: What progress, if any, has been made in the quarter January to March 2024 on the action ‘Improve understanding of mate wareware and ageing in Māori communities supporting new Māori initiatives that address negative stereotypes and stigma’ under the objective ‘Build accepting and understanding communities’ within Te Whatu Ora’s Improving Dementia Mate Wareware Services in Aotearoa New Zealand Action Plan?

Hon Casey Costello: I am advised during the January to March 2024 quarter, work continued on six of the seven trials of delivering care direct to Māori either via a service contract with a Māori Health provider, or in partnership with a Māori Health Provider/Iwi. These trials will help address negative stereotypes and stigma. All service trials have been established to deliver post diagnostic support, navigation and/or respite to priority populations including Māori. Contract expectations include: -supporting care partners and whānau to care for their loved one with mate wareware through education (including information on care roles), support groups, and cultural appropriate/translated information (where applicable) -supporting people with mate wareware, whānau, and care partners to understand the mate wareware journey, from diagnosis to end of life -providing holistic care to people with mate wareware, whānau and care partners to nourish wairua -Rongoā Mate Wareware (Māori adapted Cognitive Stimulation Therapy) I am further advised the Mate wareware app continues to be used to address misconceptions and negative stereotypes through accessible education. This provides whānau with strategies and information on managing Mate Wareware. It includes videos from experts and provides education to families on how to keep the brain active and to support the individuals to maintain their independence.