Thornhill Manor village raises awareness on Alzheimer’s
The retirement village has various activities with something for everyone, from art classes to card-making and games, such as bridge, Rummikub and Scrabble.
Thornhill Manor Retirement Village is preparing for International Alzheimer’s Day.
Recognised globally on September 21, organisations raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Thornhill Manor had an early start to raising awareness this year by hosting a tea.
“At the tea, Thornhill resident and pianist Gretha Pecoraro played for the other residents,” said Karen Griesel, the Thornhill Manor social worker.
“It was a beautiful recital that was nostalgic and heartfelt.”
At the function, Griesel shared some facts and statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO) about dementia and Alzheimer’s with the residents.
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The WHO reported that over 55m people worldwide have dementia, with 10m new cases reported annually.
“Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. It contributes to 60% to 70% of the cases and is a major cause of dependency and disability in the elderly,” said Griesel.
She also shared some prevention tips like staying physically active, not smoking, avoiding alcohol and medication abuse, controlling weight, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining healthy blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Other risk factors included depression, social isolation and cognitive inactivity.
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Thornhill Manor offers residents various opportunities and preventative health services which might help curb dementia, including routine health checks to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
They also offer vitamin injections.
“Our residents have various opportunities to socialise, interact and engage in challenging things, such as quizzes.
“They can also practice their hobbies and learn new skills,” said Griesel.
The retirement village has various activities with something for everyone, from art classes to card-making and games, such as bridge, Rummikub and Scrabble.
There’s also a garden club for those with green fingers and a Knit & Knatter group.
“We have a bountiful library and book club residents can join. Reading and discussions are a great way to fire up brain activity,” said Griesel.
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The retirement village’s Happy Chatter’s occupational therapy group meets every Monday and enjoys activities, games, movements and walking to get the brain and body working.
“Every week is new and fun,” said Griesel.
For Thornhill’s male residents, the Man Cave group always looks for extra hands to help with carpentry, wood repairs, knife sharpening and other projects, keeping their residents mentally active.
There are also weekly exercises, chair classes, line dancing, table tennis and snooker and, in summer, water aerobics and swimming.
For those who love peace and tranquillity, there are beautiful walks in the village’s lush gardens.
