Let’s get talking about dementia – Part 3

The homegrown Ballito initiative Dementia Reach Out Programs (DROP) co-founded by Ross and Sharyn McCarthy, give valuable care management support to educate about dementia and assist those who deal with it.

When interacting with someone with dementia or alzheimers, Sharyn said it is important to understand that your memory will be retaining all or most of the facts of the experience but, the person with dementia will only be retaining a few facts of the experience, if any at all.

“This is why they do not seem to remember what we say to them and often ask the same thing over and over. Your patience and understanding in these situations is paramount,” said Ross who, together with his wife, are trained dementia support coaches.

“Caregiver burnout, whether a spouse, other family member or employed caregiver caring for someone with dementia, is very real. It is strongly suggested that all people providing dementia care try to fi nd respite wherever and however possible.”

Challenging the fear of forgetting through Dementia Reach Out Programs, Ballito – Part 1

Challenging as it can be, Sharyn urged caregivers to try keep engaged in hobbies and activities of interest as they are crucial to managing one’s own well-being, which in turn is vital to extending eff ective care for someone with dementia.

“There is still so much stigma, embarrassment, denial and guilt around dementia, however, we suggest this approach causes us to solely internalise all the negative stress and harmful emotional eff ects of our loved one’s illness. Being part of a support group, sharing openly with close friends and family, asking for guidance from church groups or community councilors are just some channels to reach out for support.”

With long-term goals of unifying a seemingly highly fragmented dementia and Alzheimers care and services sector, DROP aim to strip back the layers of heavily ingrained stigma in SA society through workshops, talks, seminars and training courses. For now, however, their short term goal will be to establish their Let’s Get Talking program.

Dealing with dementia positively through Dementia Reach Out Programs, Ballito – Part 2

“Dementia doesn’t discern by any social norm, least of all cultures, yet culturally there is a signifi cant disconnect in rural communities’ understanding of what dementia is. A common theme is that someone with dementia is bewitched, often leading to highly tragic outcomes. Let’s Get Talking will address this through family and community welfare and education programs covering all age groups.”

Ross said they hope to expand this program nationally in time.

More helpful care knowledge and information can be found in the notes section of DROP’s Facebook page or you can be included in a free anonymous WhatsApp group which they regularly send out.

WhatsApp your name and mobile number to 0793182709 to be included.

For more information visit www.drop.org.za, email them at info@drop.org.za

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