Befriender - Companion for Someone Living with Dementia - Waihi Beach

Be a friend to someone living with dementia

Dementia Tauranga's befrienders spend time one-to-one with a person living with dementia, at home or out in the community. Your visit brings company, conversation and something to look forward to - and gives their family carer a well-earned break.

We are looking for warm, reliable people who can commit to a regular visit for the long term.

What you'll be doing

• Visiting the same person for 1-3 hours, weekly or fortnightly, on a day and time agreed with the family
• Chatting, sharing interests, going for a walk or a coffee, or doing an activity together
• Supporting the person to enjoy the things that matter to them, at their own pace
• Keeping brief notes of your visits

Why consistency matters

For the person you visit, you become a familiar face they look forward to. For their carer, your visit may be the only regular break they get. When a visit is missed without notice, the carer may lose plans they have made, and the person may feel unsettled. Consistency is part of the care we offer, not an extra.

What we ask of you

• Commit to a regular visit for the long term, and give notice when you are unavailable
• Be patient, calm, and comfortable with repetition and changes in mood
• Treat the person with dignity and see the person first
• Respect the family's home and routines
• Keep information confidential
• Work within the role and boundaries agreed with Dementia Tauranga
• Be open to dementia awareness training

What you'll get

• Free dementia awareness training and ongoing support from our team
• A carefully considered match with a client and family
• A real, lasting connection - and the knowledge that you are making a difference for a local family

No experience is needed. A police check is required before visits begin, and we arrange it for you.

What happens next

Apply here and you'll receive a link to our short registration form. Once we have it, we'll be in touch within a few working days to book an interview at our office on Thirteenth Avenue.