The Villa - Dementia Care Facility

Many family members will ask whether it is the right time for their family member living with dementia to relocate, this is a difficult but important decision. Family members along with the person living with dementia should work out an advance directive (future care plan) at the early stages of the diagnosis , this will assist the family later on when the person living with dementia is no longer able to make the decision or have input. Below I have highlighted some reasons, causes and incidents that usually lead to the relocation of someone living with dementia, but one needs to keep in mind that all cases are unique. Safety Issues in the home due to a loss of independence, increase in falls and/or an elderly spouse who can’t keep up with the physical care needs of the person with dementia. Wandering and getting lost, about 60% of persons with dementia wander. Escalated caring and health needs of the person with dementia or their family care giver.   A lack of family supp...

As I get to know more persons with dementia and their care givers over time, I have realised one thing: we always need to apply the 5WH rule to all things that are out of the person’s ordinary day and routine. The quicker we get into the pattern of doing this, the easier it will be for the person with dementia and their care giver. What do I mean with out of the ordinary? Any sudden changes – which may include a change in bowel movements, energy levels, eating habits, mobility and behaviour. Working in a dementia facility immediately puts me in the ‘ dementia frame’ , which means I try and reason with dementia always at the forefront and as my foundation. I need to consciously tell myself to question other possible reasons for changes in the person with dementia. Yes, sometimes it is the progression of the disease and we can expect certain changes, but many times it is something else and we need to put our ‘investigator hat’ on to get to the bottom of it. We cannot rely on subje...

Attending a Dementia Support Group  In my experience people are fearful or embarrassed to attend any form of support group. This feeling is due to the stigma that is associated with self-help and other forms of support groups; sure there are certain groups that are not going to be the right fit, groups that make you uncomfortable or groups where you don’t feel that others share the same experience as you. I still encourage you, as a dementia care giver to attend support groups until you find the right one for you. The benefits of a dementia support group -Finding out about dementia resources that you may need, if not now, maybe in the future  -An opportunity to problem solve with others that have been through similar experiences and challenges -Not feeling alone -Realising that your spouse/parent with dementia shares the same challenges as others with dementia -Dealing with the frustrations associated with caring for someone with dementia -Assisting w...

The Villa- Dementia Care Facility  Welcome to the Villa! The Villa is a specialised dementia facility which offers 24 hour security, restricted access control, a registered nurse to supervise care, daily activities, single rooms with en suite bathrooms, daily cleaning services, laundry services, a beautiful landscape and support for families.  The staff members and residents are very close. We see each other like family as we laugh and go through the day together. Our aim is to provide the best quality of care, socialization opportunities and chances for engagement, happiness and overall well-being for residents living at The Villa. Residents engage in daily exercise groups, a variety of occupation based group activities and walks in the garden. Some residents sleep in a bit, while others are up early and on the go, some residents assist with setting the table while others enjoy being served. Individualized care is the best suited care for persons' with dementia a...