Understanding dementia
Dementia New Zealand describes dementia as an umbrella term for diseases and conditions that severely impact people’s thinking and memory, which can make managing day-to-day life more difficult. Alzheimer’s is one of the most common forms of dementia.
In Aotearoa, the te reo Māori term ‘mate wareware’ is widely used to describe dementia, reflecting memory loss and changes in a person’s thinking and behaviours.
While symptoms may vary, some common signs of dementia, according to Alzheimer’s New Zealand, include:
- Memory loss
- Difficulties with concentration, planning or organising
- Coordination challenges such as doing up buttons
- Disorientation
- Changes in mood and behaviour.
Living with dementia can impact many aspects of a person’s life, and this impact extends to the person’s whānau and support network.
Dementia New Zealand (2026) found that there are approximately 6,700 Kiwi living with Young Onset Dementia (diagnosed under age 65). A diagnosis can mean finding support early in the person’s journey, but it can also reshape someone’s whole life.
When living with dementia, some everyday tasks can be a challenge; popping to the shops, getting a coffee, or navigating busy spaces which can feel overwhelming and difficult to navigate.
Individuals living with dementia won’t just ‘wander’ anywhere. Often they will have a particular destination in mind, a place that feels familiar or has a meaning or memory attached to the place. However, because their awareness of location or returning home can be affected, they may get lost on their way. (Alzheimer’s New Zealand, 2026)
That’s where Safer Walking – Ka rapa te whai can help.
Safer Walking
About 6 in 10 people with dementia will ‘wander’ at least once. Many will do so repeatedly.
Stopping a person’s movement isn’t the answer. Movement is good for a person’s overall hauora (wellbeing). It’s important to preserve their independence and personal freedom, while reducing risk. Safer Walking can support individuals with dementia and their whānau with practical tips to be safe and feel prepared when out in the community.
Practical tips to support people with dementia and their whānau
Safer Walking is an initiative led by Land Search and Rescue New Zealand. We offer proactive tools and resources to increase safety and reduce the risk of people with cognitive impairments going missing. This includes:
- Downloading and completing a Safer Walking Profile form. The Safer Walking Profile form is an emergency preparedness document that includes vital information about a person with a cognitive impairment at increased risk of going missing. Whānau and carers should keep a digital and physical copy at home so it can be handed straight to Police and Search and Rescue responders in the event a loved one goes missing. If you have already completed the form, it’s worth checking your current version to ensure that all information and photos are up to date.
- For individuals at increased risk of getting lost, our library offers tools and resources like the WanderSearch devices, GPS devices, accessible format resources and more. These are designed to reduce the risk of loved ones going missing while preserving their personal freedom.
- Encourage whānau to support safe movement, for example, by mapping out familiar neighbourhood routes.
- When communicating with someone living with dementia, give people time to process conversations and finish sentences without interrupting or speaking for them.
- Choose quieter spaces for catch-ups to reduce background noise and sensory overload
Finally, if somebody you know is a carer for their loved one, know that they can face high stress. Offer them support, for example by dropping off a home-cooked meal, running an errand, or offering respite so they can take a break.
Helpful Links & Local Support Networks
Read more about getting help with Safer Walking, or visit:
- Alzheimers New Zealand: Fror free resources, advocacy, and local community group directories.
- Dementia New Zealand: For secialised local support, education, and carer support networks.
- Harris list: A navigation tool with numerous resources that can support individuals, and their whānau and caregivers.