Dementia is often associated with a loss of memory and old age, and has a severe impact on the individuals suffering from it as well as their family and friends.
Some of the symptoms that are associated with dementia include memory loss, communication and language issues, inability to focus and pay attention, and impaired reasoning, judgement and visual perception.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, people who have dementia may have problems with short-term memory, keeping track of objects such as wallets and keys, and important dates, and may have problems looking after themselves. Dementia is often progressive, starting at a manageable level, but often becomes worse.
Maryna Latsky’s mother Elise is an individual with dementia. Maryna said she had a normal family and still does, but over the years and as her mother became older, Maryna started noticing problems with her. In order to try help her mom, Maryna moved her to Bloemfontein from Kimberley to be with the family. This lasted for three years, until increased symptoms of dementia began to appear.
Even into her late 80s, Elise was still able to drive and look after herself, to a point.
Elise was brought from Bloemfontein to Maryna and her husband’s home in Edenvale, where she stayed for seven months.
“We had a nice set-up and looked after her,” said Maryna. But once Elise’s sight started deteriorating, Maryna began worrying and stressing more. In order to keep her mother active and healthy, they would often go for long walks at the cemetery because of its nice walkways.
But despite this, Elise’s health and eyesight began deteriorating and her mind began to “slip”.
“It was very stressful,” said Maryna.
It was at this point that Maryna began looking for a home or care centre for her mother. She looked all over Edenvale and found the Edenhaven Retirement Village. It looked good to her, so she spoke to Matron Fourie of Edenhaven, but said, “I don’t want to let go.”
Matron Fourie assured Maryna that everything would be fine.
Because Elise could not go out by herself, she started to feel lonely but when she heard of her daughter’s plan, she gave it a try.
“It has improved our relationship. We’re not under each other’s feet” said Maryna. However, during the family visits, Maryna again noticed a worsening in her mother’s dementia and had to get some medication to try help her mother.
“It’s put a lot of strain on the family.”
But Elise was always well-looked after and had everything she needed.
Now at the age of 94, Elise is still living at Edenhaven and has been for the last four years and although her body is still there the essence that was her mom is gone, said Maryna.
Although Maryna was trained and has been a nurse for most of her life, the situation has been “very hard”.
The best advice that she could give anyone who has a family member battling with dementia is to put them in a safe place where they will receive the correct care. “You’ve got to humour them and validate their lives,” she said.
