Who says there is no quality of life for someone living with dementia?
At Flower Foundation, they ensure all residents' quality of life to preserve their dignity.
Dementia causes an irreversible decline in intellectual, social, and physical functioning. It is one of the most common and serious disorders in the later life of ageing adults.
Data suggests that behavioural and psychological disturbances are more strongly associated with quality of life than the expected cognition or functional limitations accompanying this condition. During the various levels of lockdown, more constraints were placed on the elderly’s quality of life due to isolation from families, familiar people or places. The challenge of caring for and maintaining a good quality of life became even more significant than usual.
Social disengagement among older persons, isolation and a decline in psychological well-being occurred in most elderly care facilities worldwide, which could be seen in accumulated physical impact and functional decline. Research has shown that certain activities can assist with the stimulation that a person living with dementia requires.
At Flower Foundation, they ensure all residents’ quality of life to preserve their dignity. Despite being diagnosed with dementia, residents continue to enjoy the fine motor activity of knitting, assisting not only to maintain good hand function but also aids to reduce depression and anxiety. They engage in this as a constructive leisure activity of choice, and a social engagement opportunity to interact with other residents in the village.
Each dementia suffer’s interests differ, therefore various activities are arranged to ensure that they have a selection of activities to participate in, such as, Rummikub, Scrabble, drumming, baking, dancing, and arts and crafts. Retirement villages have been designed to allow residents the freedom to wander safely through the beautiful gardens and enjoy the sunny days.
The solace a pet provides to an elderly person is sometimes forgotten. Their very presence can help reduce the effects of dementia that include anxiety, agitation, irritability, depression, and loneliness. By their friendliness and non-threatening way, pets can help a dementia resident be more interactive when sometimes they cannot do so in social settings with other adults.
One may be frightened by the unknown when a loved one receives the news of a dementia diagnosis. At Flower Foundation, they will help you look after your loved one. For more info, visit www.flower.org.za.
