Reputable nursing homes are fully equipped to take care of the elderly and the sickly, which is why many families feel confident in their decision to move aging loved ones into one of these facilities; however, when a loved one starts to display signs of a memory-related illness such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, families need to reevaluate the situation. Nursing homes are not the same as specialised dementia care facilities Nursing homes with dementia care wards are also not equal to facilities dedicated to dementia care. We have no doubt that they offer great care, but ensuring your loved one is in a dedicated facility that specialises in dementia care is a crucial factor in the decision-making process.
Nursing homes are able to cater to the physical needs of their residents, but for those living with dementia, unless they have dedicated training in all the types of the disease, the staff may not be equipped for the mental needs of the patient which can lead to frustration in the carer and the patient. Not receiving specialised dementia care can also mean their rapid cognitive deterioration. Specialised facilities require their staff to undergo specialised training to care for the unique needs of dementia patients.
Quite simply, people with dementia need more than just being taken care of physically, bathed and fed. They need mental and cognitive stimulation to promote and enhance their quality of life.
People with memory loss problems require specialised dementia care. Whilst there are many nursing homes, retirement villages and frail care options available for seniors, people living with memory loss disorders need specialised care. When looking for specialised dementia care we encourage families and medical professionals to visit our Estates. Livewell Estates is a specialised dementia and Alzheimer facility in South Africa with qualified and trained nursing and care staff providing round the clock care to their residents. If you need help deciding on what is best for your loved one, speak to one of our trained family advisors today.