Dementias are a group of diseases that affect the structure of the brain, meaning that over time the brain becomes irreversibly damaged. As the brain deteriorates, the person’s behavior, thinking, reasoning, planning, speech and memory are severely affected. Finally, this person’s independence comes to a standstill.
DROOM is in the process of registering with the Department of Social Development as an Alzheimer’s unit. A few structural alterations had to be made which are now completed.
Ou Meule Home can accommodate 25 residents with Dementia. The nursing staff members working with these residents are very special people – they need to have a good sense of humour, show empathy and have plenty of patience, as these residents can be very demanding and/or aggressive. People with Dementia are a very special group of people. They live in their own world and need a lot of extra care and attention.
The need for care for Alzheimer dementia patients has risen considerably.
The residents are kept busy with music, walks, movies, sing a long sessions, they are read to by the carers, etc. Other activities include folding of towels, rolling up of socks, puzzle building, dominos and ball throwing, only to mention a few.
