For Susan Swanepoel, Estate Manager at Livewell Somerset West, the heart of dementia care lies not only in what is done for residents — but how it is done. The difference, she believes, is found in the quiet moments of presence and genuine connection.
“For me, the little things are not always what you physically do for a resident, though that’s important, but being there in the moment is key,” Susan shares. “When greeting, walking, or sitting with a resident, you need to give them your undivided attention. You need to listen to them and make them feel as if they are the most important person at that moment. They need to feel heard.”
It’s in these small gestures whether a patient conversation, a gentle explanation, or a moment of reassurance, this is where dignity lives. “Explaining to a resident why a spoon is a better utensil than a fork without making them feel incapable is small, but for the resident it is enormous. It helps them feel normal. The same goes for when a resident misplaces a personal possession – explaining where it was found without making them feel like something is wrong with them means the world to them.”
Meaningful Activities at Livewell Estates
Beyond daily care, Susan believes that joy and connection are just as important to the wellbeing of each resident. “Activities and outings contribute a lot to a resident’s joy and sense of connection,” she explains. “We don’t let them feel as if they are in a facility but instead create a place where they feel part of a community. Activities are not just for stimulation, they create space for residents to socialise, laugh, tell stories, and connect with one another.”
She recalls one outing that left a lasting impression on everyone involved. “When we visited an orphanage in Cape Town, the residents were laughing and chatting on the way there. When they handed over the presents we’d brought, they were so proud to be able to give to others. They were grateful for what they have. It was amazing to be part of that outing – the experience gave them purpose.”
At Livewell, choice and independence are central to how care is delivered. “One thing I appreciate is that we let the residents dictate what they want to do,” Susan says. It’s this approach that allows each person to feel valued and respected for who they are, rather than defined by their diagnosis.
Personalised Dementia Care Approach
Understanding each resident’s history is also key to providing the right kind of support, especially when behaviour becomes challenging. “Some of the male residents can be challenging at times, and understanding their background helps us address that behaviour and earn their trust,” Susan explains. “I had a resident who displayed frustration that led to aggression toward another resident because that person’s surname reminded him of someone he did business with – someone who still owed him money. Once I understood that, I could de-escalate the situation because he trusted me to be there for him when he felt frustrated.”
To Susan, dignity is the foundation of every interaction. “Dignity for me is making a resident feel that they can do anything, and assisting them in such a way that they don’t feel there is something different about them. They need to feel valued,” she says. “My question is always, “why change a resident’s way of living just because they are diagnosed with a disease that might change their life”? It doesn’t change who they are. Always be respectful, they deserve it. Listen to them and give them your time. Preserve the independence and privacy they want.”
In Susan’s words, the small things are never really small. They are moments of humanity that shape how residents feel safe, seen, and at home. And at Livewell Somerset West, that’s exactly what makes all the difference.