“Dementia is a disease of the brain, not of the Soul”. Today, 21 September 2021, the world acknowledges World Alzheimer’s Day with the goal of raising awareness of the disease, common symptoms, and risk factors. This day raises awareness of the cause and severity of Alzheimer’s disease, and it is observed throughout the month in certain countries. Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain condition that gradually deteriorates memory and cognitive abilities, among other things. It is the most frequent cause of dementia in older individuals. Watch this special video to appreciate and learn. https://youtu.be/CrZXz10FcVM
HSFA and GERATEC, (our partners in food health and wellbeing), hosted a second ‘Memory Café’ at the HSFA’s Vonke Coffee shop. The Memory Café provides a community resource for people with neuro-cognitive impairment, their families, carers and friends. Rayne Stroebel (PhD Candidate in Dementia Studies) for an informative follow-on talk on living with dementia. The presentation “Dementia beyond drugs – considering a path of wellbeing” was enjoyed by the audience whilst enjoying mouth-watering snacks served by Geratec’s team. Should you have missed this talk, (Geratec is repeating it as a free webinar), please contact Maralize Conradie at training@geratecza.com or 021 461 3020.
Joshua Buchweitz, a Grade 7 scholar from Beaumont Primary School , showed how a simple act of kindness can go a long way. Joshua used his own savings and raised money from friends, neighbours and family to purchase a generous hamper of toiletries and treats for the residents (those who do not have family support) of the Support Center of the HSFA. When asked why he chose the HSFA as his retirement group as his beneficiary, he explained that his lovely granny Elana Kriedemann who recently retired from at the HSFA, told him that the HSFA is a special place, and she also explained that some residents needed some extra support and that they depend on the community for help. Thank you Joshua for your thoughtfulness, kindness and leadership – you are a true gentlemen. Your lovely granny can certainly be proud of you.
The Helderberg Society For the Aged hosted a MEMORY CAFÉ presented by GERATEC, the HSFA’s partner in geriatric nutrition, with our shared goal of improving the quality of life of older persons. A most informative talk and discussion on “Living with Dementia” (or rather ‘Neuro Cognitive Impairment”) was led by the knowledgeable Rayne Stroebel, CEO of Geratec and PHD candidate in Dementia Studies. A delicious breakfast and coffees were enjoyed by all; people living with dementia, their families, carers and friends. Thanks goes to Rayne and his team from Geratec. The forthcoming talks and support groups will be announced on our respective facebook pages. For those who attended this morning’s session, and wish to read further on dementia studies mentioned by Rayne, please visit:
The dancing and the happy smiles of the Flamingo residents uplifted our spirits at our “Spring Tea and Dance” activity yesterday. Flamingo is our dementia unit of our HSFA Support Centre. Tea and cake was served and our onsite Occupational Therapist, our Activity Coordinator and carers ensured all were active and enjoying themselves!
“Dance/movement therapy:
– can engage, encourage communication, and provide an outlet for self expression.
– is the psychotherapeutic use of movement to further the emotional, cognitive, physical, social, and spiritual integration of the individual.
– supports that mind, body, and spirit are connected and that individuals should be treated in such a way that supports integration of these three entities.
– operates on the premise that our life experiences are held in the body, and that through the use of movement, memories and emotions can be recalled and re-experienced despite cognitive, psychological, or physical impairment.
In regard to individuals living with Dementia, dance/movement therapy has been effective in stimulating social interaction, enhancing mood, reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms, increasing self-awareness and self-expression. Dance/movement therapy can even maintain and at times improve memory and cognitive functioning. The focus of communication is on non-verbal attunement and mindfulness, both of which become increasingly important as many dementias affect language and cognitive awareness.”
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