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| About Parkinsons New Zealand |
Parkinson's New Zealand provides: Education, Information, Field Officers and Support for all people with Parkinson's their caregivers, friends and families.
Who We Are
Founded in 1983, The Parkinsonism Society of New Zealand is a community
based, non-profit organisation reliant on funding from grants, bequests and
donations.
There are 18 Regional Divisions supported by a National Office in Wellington.
What We Do
We offer members:
- Information on Parkinson's
- Regular up-to date information through our national magazine
- Responsible reporting of recent research and international experiences
- Books and audio-visual material
- Local meetings and education programmes
- Activities such as exercise classes and speech therapy
- Advice on health and welfare assistance available
- Home visits from a Field Officer.
In addition, we can provide information and educational services to
non-members. e.g. health professionals and the general public.
We work
closely with other neurological organisations, and in some remote areas, Field
Officer services are supplied by the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The Divisions
The Society has 18 divisions. The Management Committee of each Division is
made up of volunteers. Each division provides information, education, and
opportunities for mutual support and social activities. They may offer a range
of other services depending on resources. Most divisions have Field Officers who
provide practical, individual assistance and advise on local services.
The Divisions are also involved in raising funds to keep the service
available and in raising public awareness about the condition.
The Field Officer Service
The Field Officer service can:
- Provide home visits to re-assure, motivate and advise people with
Parkinson's, and others associated with them.
- Act as advocates for health services.
- Monitor medication management and help note any beneficial or adverse affects.
- Monitor progress of the condition and advise on ways to cope better.
- Link members for mutual support.
- Intervene to ease crisis situations.
- Empower members to regain social confidence.
- Refer to other agencies. e.g. for assessment for home support, and
counselling to relieve stress.
- Organise educational courses.
- Assist social and support groups.
- Liaise with other community agencies to avoid duplication of services.
For details of how to contact your local Field Officer, please
click here
Parkinson's New Zealand Charter
People with Parkinson's Disease have the right to:
- Be referred to a doctor with a specialist interest in Parkinson's,
- Receive an accurate diagnosis,
- Have access to support services,
- Receive continuous care, and
- Take part in managing the illness.
Declared this 11th day of April, 1997
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