A far north trial of marae-based care for mate-wareware – or dementia – has been extended indefinitely.
The trial started in March at Roma Marae in Ahipara as a collaboration between Auckland University’s Centre for Brain Research and health services of the Ngāpuhi and Te Rarawa iwi.
Neuropsychologist Makarena Dudley, of Te Rarawa and Ngāti Kahu, says it found the Māori approach to care is significantly different from western models.
“We’re not hiding our loved ones away who have this disease. We’re not shunning them, or embarrassed or ashamed of them. For some people it’s just part of their life. And we cope with it in the most positive and the best way that we can. and Maori are good at that,” she says.
Dr Dudley says a key finding of the trial was that Māori caregivers – often whānau members – lacked support, and in some cases were dying before their loved ones because of the burdens they took upon themselves.
