Tafta raises awareness for world Alzheimer’s day
The Association for the Aged (Tafta) is passionate about nurturing mindfulness around the effects of Alzheimer’s.
WORLD Alzheimer’s Day is commemorated annually on 21 September to raise awareness around the mental decline of Alzheimer’s disease, which is a form of Dementia.
The chronic stress of watching a loved one slowly decline affects everyone. These conditions are most commonly found in people over the age of 60, affecting their memory, cognitive thinking and psychological behaviour.
The Association for the Aged (Tafta) is passionate about nurturing mindfulness around the effects of the disease and equipping caregivers and family members with the correct tools to manage the condition. In their commitment to inspiring a life worth living for elders, Tafta has committed the month of September to spreading awareness and has adopted the 2021 global theme of Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer’s.
The organisation annually hosts an informative campaign, partnering with schools to educate younger generations and encourage intergenerational bonding. This year, while in-house information sessions are already underway to educate elders living at Tafta homes, the organisation will extend their reach to the general public through media platforms.
Tafta hosted a live webinar hosted on Monday, September 20 on care and support for elders living with dementia, providing practical help and coping mechanisms by covering the topics of Dementia in a care home setting, activities for elders living with Dementia and caring for an elder living with Dementia at home. The line-up was facilitated by professionals in the care industry featuring Senior Social Worker at Issy Geshen Lamont Home for The Aged Nelly Ngcobo, Occupational Therapist Felicity Crouch and Tafta’s Marshnee Naidoo.
Naidoo shared knowledge from the perspective of someone who is caring for an elder living with dementia.
“Although I may not be an expert, I believe my first-hand experience, as well as understanding and resources gained through working with the aged will assist me in providing insight and relating to families in similar situations. When caring for someone with Dementia, each day will be different from the next, and it is so important to seek support and educate yourself as the caregiver,” said Naidoo.
