South African Psychiatry - February 2019

UPDATE
“ALSO REMEMBER THAT IF YOU ARE GOING
ON AN EXCURSION, OR TAKING A FEW DAYS
HOLIDAY, THAT WHILE YOU AND THE FAMILY
MAY BE EXCITED ABOUT IT, THE PERSON
WITH DEMENTIA CAN EASILY BECOME
BEWILDERED AND ANXIOUS WHEN THEY
ARE OUT OF THEIR ROUTINE AND FAMILIAR
ENVIRONMENT,” SHE ADVISES.
According to Schutte, it can also be helpful to honestly
explain the causes of any unusual behaviour in their
loved one to other family members, particularly
younger ones, so that they can understand it and
be better equipped to deal with it.
Beatrice Masiiwa, office supervisor: administration
at the Livewell Village in Bryanston says that before
joining Livewell Villages, she worked in the hospitality
industry and didn’t know much about dementia at
first.
“However, we all receive on the job training and
have ongoing formal monthly training sessions. It
was challenging at first, but with some experience
I got to know the particular requirements of our
residents,” she adds.
BEATRICE AND A RESIDENT, MRS L, SHARE A
PASSION FOR FASHION. MRS L IS EXTREMELY,
SOME MIGHT SAY ‘BRUTALLY’, HONEST,
ACCORDING TO MASIIWA. “IF SHE DOESN’T
LIKE YOUR NEW HAIRSTYLE, SHE WILL TELL YOU
SO IN NO UNCERTAIN TERMS. I FIND THIS A
REFRESHING CHANGE, HOWEVER, BECAUSE
MOST PEOPLE WILL BE LESS HONEST OUT
OF POLITENESS, BUT WHEN MRS L SAYS SHE
LIKES SOMETHING YOU CAN BE SURE THAT
SHE SINCERELY APPROVES,” SHE EXPLAINS.
“Working with people with dementia is very rewarding,
although you need to have a heart and a sense of
humour. You need to learn not to take offence or you
can easily have your feelings bruised. We spend so
much time with the residents that we become like
family, and we have the same understanding for
them that we have for our own grandparents.”
Schutte says that loneliness and boredom are
common problems affecting elderly people in
society, and the sense of isolation this creates is often
strongly associated with depression. “This is why we
place particular importance on ensuring that at
Livewell, every resident has company, whether they
are spontaneously drawn to participate, or whether
they prefer spending time with their companions
and carers.
As for Mrs L, Masiiwa says she cannot help but be
in awe of this woman who has a seemingly innate
sense of style and elegance. “Other than our shared
love of fashion, we have a strong human connection
that I find very meaningful. Although she may not
express it in so many words, I have a good idea that
she feels the same.”
Leaders in dementia care in South Africa, Livewell
Villages in Bryanston and Somerset West host free
monthly support groups where people can get
advice and assistance from its teams, as well as
obtain the support of others who are facing similar
challenges. Those who may in some or other way be
impacted by the condition are invited to join them at
one of these sessions.
“Caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s
can be immensely trying but also most rewarding.
It can help if you can try to keep in mind that their
memory loss is not their fault and try to understand
their experience. If you can do this, it can assist you
to be more patient with them and treat them with
the compassion they need. By showing your care
and love for them, you are able to make them feel
safer,” concludes Schutte.
Issued by Martina Nicholson Associates (MNA) on behalf of Livewell Villages Correspondence:martina@mnapr.co.za
SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 18 2019 * 57