Our History

In 1999, the Alzheimers Society Wairarapa was officially established, during a public meeting hosted by WOOPs (now Age Concern Wairarapa). In 2003 the Alzheimers Wairarapa group was formally established.

Fueled by the need for more dementia support in the Wairarapa, outside of rest homes, and supported by the Wellington Alzheimer's group, Liz the newly appointed field officer got to work. This role started at 10 hours a week but quickly grew to over 20+. The demand for these services was obvious.

The top priority of Alzheimers Wairarapa was to provide assistance to families coping in the early stages of the illness. The Dream was to be able to provide the community with a day activity base for patients. After some intense planning and successful fundraising Iona was born in 2006 - a partnership between Glenwood Masonic and Alzheimers Wairarapa to provide Day Activities.

Since then Alzheimers Wairarapa has continued to assist families through clinics, supported Iona, engaged in many fundraising activities, established an out-and-about group, and facilitated support groups for carers. This has all been while the organisation has raised awareness and continued to educate the community about Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.

It is Alzheimers Wairarapa’s intention to continue this important work in the Wairarapa community, and extend this to engage more with the South Wairarapa.