Alzheimer’s calls for specialist care

Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease that affects not only the person living with dementia but it also has a huge impact on their family and loved ones.

People living with Alzheimer’s require specialist care, which is most often not possible for the family to provide.

So, this responsibility falls to special care facilities and professional, highly-trained care workers.

As of 2013, an estimated 44.4 million people are living with dementia worldwide.

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This figure is expected to increase to 75.6 million by 2030 and 135.5 million by 2050.

According to South Africa’s 2011 census, there are approximately 2.2 million people in the country with some form of dementia of which Alzheimer’s is the most common form, accounting for 60% to 80% of all dementia cases.

A matter of great concern is that owing to a lack of finances and welfare benefits, combined with a shortage of formal social care facilities, the majority of South Africa’s population do not have access to this specialist care.

As a result, the disease regrettably remains largely undiagnosed and consequently untreated.

Methodist Homes, with 50 years of experience in providing affordable and comfortable accommodation and care services to the elderly, is fully aware of the ever-growing need for formal social care systems in South Africa.

“It is essential that people living with this disease as well as their families receive only the very best treatment, care and support and this is where we excel,” said Methodist Homes nursing services manager Gerda Labuschagne.

“We remain passionate and committed to providing a high quality of life to our Alzheimer’s residents as well as much-needed support to their families.”

Four of Methodist Homes’ 15 retirement villages have fully equipped Alzheimer’s wings in their care centres.

Within this nurturing and compassionate environment, qualified nursing staff and highly trained care workers provide care for those living with early-onset, mild and moderate Alzheimer.

A fifth village is completely dedicated to caring for residents living with severe Alzheimer’s as well as various other forms of dementia.

Methodists Homes has also made a substantial investment in specialist dementia-care equipment, including Wellness Nordic Relax chairs and a sensory bath, which helps to enhance the residents’ quality of life.

Gerda points out the importance of understanding Alzheimer’s and the specialist care that this disease requires.

The exact cause of this disease is still to be determined.

Although the disease is irreversible, early diagnosis, correct treatment, careful management and support will help to slow down degeneration, keeping people comfortable, improving their general well-being and importantly, enabling them to maintain their dignity.

World Alzheimer’s Day, celebrated on September 21, aimed to raise awareness and create a better understanding of this disease.

But Gerda said that this should be an ongoing drive to help educate people and dismiss some of the preconceived notions around Alzheimer’s.

“Firstly, although the majority of people living with Alzheimer’s are aged 65 and older and old age is the largest known risk factor for developing the disease, younger people are also at risk.

“So Alzheimer’s is not an inevitable result of ageing as only one in five people in their eighties are affected by it.

“Furthermore, the exact cause of this disease has still not been determined and it is important to bear in mind that the illness is not contagious and people are not predisposed if their parents or relatives were diagnosed with the disease,” said Gerda.

Highly cognisant of the vital importance of providing support to the families of Alzheimer’s/dementia residents, Gerda said that Methodist Homes will soon be reintroducing their ‘family dealing with dementia’ support groups, adhering to all Covid-19 health protocols.

“These groups have proven to be extremely successful in helping families to better understand the changes that they see in their loved ones living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia,” said Gerda.

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