Strandsorg encompasses two homes, Esperanza and PAM Brink, both dedicated to providing exceptional care for residents with dementia. Esperanza, focusing solely on dementia care, currently houses 115 residents, while PAM Brink includes a smaller dementia unit with 16 residents.
The services offered to these residents include:
- Specialised and Compassionate Staff: the team is trained to understand dementia and work with patience and empathy. Regular in-service dementia training is provided to ensure the highest level of care.
- Activity Coordinators: two dedicated coordinators engage residents in stimulating activities, promoting mental and physical well-being.
- Person-Centred Care: each resident’s unique needs are carefully considered to tailor care plans that respect their individuality.
- Active Ageing Initiatives: activities include Monday dances with Oom Doepie’s music, visits to the courtyard garden, balloon volleyball, and interactive sessions with our therapy dog from Pets as Therapy (PAT).
- Comprehensive Care Package: their service includes the administration of medication, all meals, and addressing all care requirements.
Despite their dedication, they face significant challenges, including limited funding, building maintenance, space constraints, and the need for essential equipment like hospital beds. Additionally, maintaining an adequate and well-trained staff is a constant concern.
The Growing Challenge of Dementia in South Africa
According to the World Alzheimer’s Report (2016), there were an estimated 4.4 million people over the age of 60 living in South Africa, of which approximately 187,000 were living with dementia. This number is predicted to rise to 250,000 by 2050, as the population of older persons increases to 7.7 million.
Dementia is an umbrella term for a collection of brain diseases and their associated symptoms. It involves the ongoing decline of the brain’s abilities, such as cognition, memory, and behaviour. According to the Association for Dementia and Alzheimer’s South Africa (ADASA), one in two people will be affected by dementia in their lifetime—either by developing the condition, caring for someone with it, or both. There are over 100 forms of dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most well-known. This chronic, progressive disease causes irreversible damage to brain cells and currently has no cure.
As the number of dementia patients increases, so does the burden on caregivers. Caregiver Syndrome, resulting from the relentless demands of caring for someone with dementia, includes stress, frustration, depression, anxiety, financial strain, and physical exhaustion. Caregivers are often referred to as the second silent patients because many neglect their own well-being while caring for others.
Services provided by Strandsorg, other Badisa residential facilities, and service centers for the aged address the growing need for dementia care. These services support not only those living with dementia but also the caregivers who dedicate themselves to their loved ones.
