Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive degenerative disease of the brain from which there is no recovery. Ultimately, a person with AD loses all memory and mental functioning. About one in 10 people over 80 are affected.
“Our vision is a country that is aware and accepting of people with dementia, and that provides adequate services to them, their families and other carers.” Alzheimers South Africa
With Highway residents in mind, the Camphors Care Centre was started almost 11 years ago, initially accomodating just four patients. It has continued to grow over the years, and we now have four facilities, all set on 10 acres of beautiful indiginous grounds.
We have a frail care section (Camphors), semi frail (The Annex) assisted living (The Studio’s), and in just a few weeks we will be opening “The Lodge” which will be specifically for the care of residents who have Alzheimers or dementia.
In recent years, we have noticed a steady increase in the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimers, and we felt there was a very real need in the Upper Highway for a facility that specialised in this area.
Being one of only a few nursing homes in the area who willingly take patients diagnosed with Alzheimers or Dementia, we have gained invaluable experience on the specifics of dealing with this disease and we are looking forward to applying this insight and knowledge on a larger scale and assisting more sufferers and their families as they cope with the progression of the disease and all the challenges it brings.
What has become evident is that it is not ideal to mix patients who have dementia with those that have age-related physical challenges, so having seperate facilities on one property is ideal. As we also have assisted living and semi frail, this means we can acomodate any degree of need (from fully independent to requiring full care) and can transfer residents to an area they are better suited to, if and when the need arises.
Right from the planning stages of The Lodge, we have worked closely with the architect and focused on the issues facing Alzheimers patients, and their specific needs, which are quite different from the nursing and care needs of – for example – people who have suffered a stroke or have age-related physical challenges.
As a result, the new build is spacious, open-plan and filled with natural light. We have taken into account that many Alzheimers patients like to “pace” – so ample safe space has been incorporated for them to do so, as well as providing pathways through a tranquil garden, and having a sensory garden indoors!
The colours, lighting, layout, design and furnishings are all aimed at providing a calm, soothing environment, while at the same time enabling staff to closely supervise the residents at all times. We have also been consulting with an Occupational Therapist, who has assisted us in drawing up a weekly activity schedule, which will ensure that residents are mentally stimulated and retain their physical abilities for as long as possible.
The Lodge is staffed by our Staff Nurses and Care Givers who already have a lot of experience at The Camphors and who are best suited to working with this category of patient. To enhance their knowledge and equip them with all the skills they need, they have also all undergone training run by Alzheimers SA. It takes a very unique set of skills to effectively manage residents who have Alzheimers, and we are proud to say that our Staff have got what it takes.
For more information, visit The Camphors website.