For Andries Havenga, Managing Director of Livewell Somerset West, leadership is not just about strategy or operations, it’s about people. His philosophy is simple yet profound: true leadership in dementia care must begin with purpose.
“At Livewell, leading with purpose means embodying compassion, empathy, and integrity in every action to enhance the quality of life for our residents with dementia,” Andries shares. “As a leader, I model these values to inspire our team to deliver person-centred care with kindness and respect. By encouraging a resident centred culture, we ensure our team is attuned to the emotional and physical needs of residents, creating an environment where dignity and care thrive.”
That purpose translates into how Livewell looks and feels. Andries is passionate about ensuring the estate feels like home and not a clinical facility. “We create a true home for residents by prioritising comfort, individuality, and freedom of movement. Each resident’s private room is personalised with their own belongings and cherished items to reflect their identity. We encourage independence through flexible routines, allowing residents to engage in daily activities at their own pace. Our manicured gardens, pet-friendly spaces, and homely aesthetics foster a sense of belonging. By promoting freedom of movement and involving residents in community activities, we ensure Livewell feels like a vibrant, supportive estate rather than a medical facility.”
Person-centred care at Livewell Estates, Somerset West
Creating this environment requires intentional leadership, and Andries knows it starts from the top. “Leadership at Livewell is the cornerstone of cultivating a culture of compassion, dignity, and excellence. I set the tone by modelling empathetic behaviour, actively listening to staff and residents, and fostering an environment where every individual feels valued. We implement regular training programmes to equip care providers with the skills to deliver compassionate, person-centred care. By recognising and rewarding excellence, promoting open communication, and involving the community, we ensure that dignity and compassion are embedded in every interaction.”
Families often find themselves overwhelmed when considering specialised dementia care for their loved ones, and Andries acknowledges how emotional that journey can be. “We understand the emotional challenges families face when transitioning a loved one to specialised dementia care. Our experienced staff supports families by providing compassionate guidance and clear communication throughout the process. We take on the primary caregiving role, allowing family members to focus on being daughters, sons, or partners rather than caregivers. Through regular family meetings, personalised care plans, and emotional support, we ensure families feel confident and reassured that their loved ones are receiving exceptional, compassionate care tailored to their needs.”
Looking to the future, Andries is clear that Livewell’s role goes beyond today’s standards. “My vision for the future of dementia care at Livewell Somerset West builds on our role as thought leaders by leveraging data-driven innovations to enhance the quality of life for residents and address the growing societal impact of dementia.”
Through his words and approach, it’s evident that for Andries, purpose is not just a guiding principle, it’s the heartbeat of Livewell Somerset West.
