Page 33 - Fourways Gardens December20

Health & Wellness

BRING IN HElP
The vast majority of dementia care is done in
the home. Research from the Family Caregiver
Alliance (FCA) shows that the typical caregiver
is female, in her late forties or early fifties, and
she would be working both outside the home
and providing around 20 hours of unpaid care
work to her mother or grandmother, over and
above her professional work commitments.

There are economic and cultural reasons
contributing to this, but for these people,
the end-of-year rush may be a good time to
consider professional help, budget allowing.

Organisations like Alzheimer’s South
Africa can help to find shift carers who are
experienced in dementia care, and they will
be able to advise on market-related rates. experienced in dementia care. You can care of, even if just for one day, can be a huge
Both carers and their families can find help also reach out to the South African load off the carer’s shoulders.
online through support groups too. Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)
and Dementia SA. “Caring for a person with dementia can be
Some service providers, extremely demanding,” notes Gerhard van
such as Livewell, (a GIVE THE GIFT OF HOlIDAY CARE OR der Vyver, Family Advisor of Livewell. “The
specialised dementia DAYCARE aim of respite care is to provide some relief for
care facility in If you have a friend or family member who carers, and support them in having a break
Bryanston), offer is the primary carer for a loved one living from their caring responsibilities, to look after
Facebook support that with dementia, then the perfect gift this year their own health and well-being.”
aims to furnish a safe might be the gift of time. Find a dementia
and accessible space for care facility that offers short term or holiday “Unfortunately, many caregivers don’t even
individuals and families care. This can take the form of half-day or full- realise that respite care is an option. They
impacted by Alzheimer’s and day dementia day care, or even overnight and push themselves to the point of actual illness
dementia to connect with each short-term residential care, often equivalent before someone tells them that they can get
other, and occupational therapists to the cost of a hotel stay. help. As a primary caregiver, you know very
well that your loved one depends on you. But
Just knowing that 24/7 care, meals, activities they can’t depend on someone who is not
and medication management is being taken caring for themselves as well,” he observes.

Knowing that a loved one is safe, secure, and
looked after means a carer can both focus on
and enjoy time off, without fear, guilt or worry.

“Carer burnout is common and can be
debilitating,” continues van der Vyver. “We
encourage all carers to try to find some quiet
time for themselves this season and we
encourage families to come together to help
facilitate this well-deserved break.”

Fourways Gardens • 31 • December 2020