Dementia is a complex condition that affects far more than memory, it touches every aspect of a person’s cognitive, emotional, and physical wellbeing. That’s why effective support must extend beyond daily assistance and medical supervision. At a truly complete dementia care facility, therapeutic programs are not just added extras, they are central to enhancing quality of life and preserving dignity.
In this article, we explore how therapeutic interventions like memory care activities, creative therapies, and personalised programs play a powerful role in complete dementia care, and how facilities like Livewell integrate these therapies to create meaningful moments, every day.
What is “complete dementia care”?
Before diving into the therapies, it’s important to define what we mean by complete dementia care. This approach goes beyond basic needs like meals and medication management. It includes physical, cognitive, emotional, and social support delivered in a way that is personalised and evolves as the individual’s condition progresses.
A complete dementia care facility is one that addresses the whole person offering not only safety and support but also purpose, joy, and connection.
Memory care activities
Memory care activities are structured interventions that aim to stimulate cognitive function, slow decline, and spark reminiscence. These activities are often tailored to each resident’s capabilities and interests.
At Livewell, memory care may include:
Reminiscence therapy using personal photos, music, or storytelling
Brain games and puzzles designed to engage problem-solving skills
Music therapy, which has been shown to access memory pathways even in advanced stages
Life story work, where residents’ personal histories are preserved and celebrated
These activities not only support cognitive health but also provide comfort and familiarity, helping residents stay grounded in their sense of self.
Creative therapies
As dementia progresses, traditional verbal communication can become more difficult. That’s where creative therapies become vital – offering ways to connect, express emotion, and find joy beyond language.
In a complete dementia care environment like Livewell’s, creative therapies may include:
Art therapy, where residents can paint, draw, or sculpt to express thoughts or emotions
Movement and dance, to encourage body awareness, coordination, and joy
Sensory therapy, using textures, scents, and sounds to stimulate calming or engaging responses
Gardening and nature-based therapy, which provide grounding, rhythm, and gentle physical activity
Creative outlets are not about performance, they’re about presence. They help reduce agitation, support emotional regulation, and build meaningful moments that words often can’t.
Tailored Interventions
The cornerstone of complete dementia care is personalisation. That means tailoring not just care plans, but therapeutic interventions to the specific stage of dementia and the person’s individual needs.
For example:
A resident in early stages might benefit from group discussions and journaling.
A resident with moderate dementia may need more visual cues and hands-on activities.
A resident in advanced stages may respond best to tactile and sensory-based therapies.
At Livewell, we take a holistic, interdisciplinary approach, collaborating with occupational therapists, caregivers, and families to create a supportive environment where each resident can thrive at their own pace.
A more meaningful way to care
Therapeutic programs do more than fill a schedule, they restore dignity, encourage connection, and improve overall wellbeing. That’s what makes them such an essential part of complete dementia care. At Livewell Estates, we’re proud to integrate a wide range of therapeutic offerings into daily life at our dementia care facilities in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Whether it’s music that evokes a happy memory, a painting that communicates what words can’t, or a garden that brings calm, our therapeutic programs are designed to meet each resident exactly where they are. Because in dementia care, every small moment matters.