Māori-focused dementia programmes are better supporting Māori with mate wareware

A Te Ao Māori approach to dementia care is helping Māori to live comfortably with their mate wareware (dementia).

A study done by Māori health psychology specialist Dr Makarena Dudley found that cultural activities such as karakia, waiata and kōrero help to engage Māori with dementia.

Mānawatia Pakeketanga is one of these programmes that aims to educate, connect and support Māori and their whānau through their dementia journey, in a way that reflects their cultural values.

The Manurewa and Northland run programme was created by Frank (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa) and Judy Solomon after Frank was diagnosed with mate wareware.

“When we first went up North, there were no Māori carers, they were all pākehā going into rural areas where people felt too embarrassed to let them into their houses, there was just no connection.

“It has got to be about connecting and relationships as well as academics – it's about educating at a down to earth level.”

The sessions begin with a karakia, waiata, upper body mobility such as poi or action songs followed by a kaputī (cup of tea).

Judy Solomon says the group then splits into pakeke (elders) and kaiāwhina (carers) for the second half.

“The pakeke sit and do cognitive stimulation exercises or games, we sit with them, talk to them and help them if they get stuck – but the main thing is they’re using their brain.

“The kaiāwhina on the other hand sit and share experiences which is very important in letting them feel supported too.”

Frank Solomon says the pakeke find better engagement with the use of te reo and different Māori activities.

“Especially when they have moved to the city and they’re away from their marae, they love tapping into their Māori side.”

Frank Solomon says often its men that struggle the most with coming to terms with their mate wareware.

“They have difficulty accepting it and tend to go quiet, their partner doesn’t quite know what to do, we want to rebuild those relationships, we want to get them out there, get them socialising, don’t just leave them at home.”

A NIH study linking data from seven health databases in New Zealand found dementia is more prevalent in Māori and Pacific Islanders than other ethnic groups.

Dr Dudley also found in her study that the oranga wairua (spiritual wellbeing) of the whole whānau must be considered when caring for Māori with dementia.

To ensure wider whānau members are informed about mate wareware care, the Solomons are hoping to put out a video to raise awareness on social media.

“It’s the kids that need the education, they’re the ones who need to be able to help the parents to understand how to manage their Koro or Nanny who has dementia.”