Dementia village creates place of safety for sufferers
BRYANSTON – New Livewell Dementia Village will open its doors in October for residents.
The new Livewell Dementia Village for the memory impaired is currently being built in Bryanston by the Livewell Group, and will welcome its first residents in October.
Occupational therapist and Livewell Group innovations manager Madré Fraenkel said the village is being built in order to create a place of safety for dementia: alzheimers-dementia sufferers, where they can feel included, independent and enjoy a sense of control.
Fraenkel said the plan for the village is to include a range of services to its residents such as therapy lounges, a grooming salon, craft workshops and a residential restaurant.
“Every aspect of the village has been designed specifically with the health and dignity of dementia sufferers in mind. The village will offer a freedom of movement to the residents where they can feel safe and secure,” said Fraenkel.
Livewell spokesperson Charlene Nieuwoudt explained the village was initiated by CEO Jimmy Hanekom, who also started a Livewell village in Somerset West in 2011.
“I realised the necessity for a facility that can accommodate people living with memory impairment,” said Hanekom.
Nieuwoudt said the colours, patterns and textures in the designing process of the village was chosen in line with the needs of a dementia sufferer.
“A great deal of research and attention was carried out in order to create a welcoming atmosphere that will comfort and reassure residents. The goal is to create a feeling of elegance and old-world charm. We want to offer residents the similar emotional stimulation and luxuries that they would typically experience at home,”said Fraenkel.
