When considering where to place a loved one who has been diagnosed with dementia, there are many options to choose from. This article examines what makes Resthill Memory Care different from the other options available to you.
Resthill Memory Care was established in 2011. Esmarie Venier, the owner and a registered psychiatric nurse, was faced with a dilemma: Her mother was diagnosed with dementia and she did not know where to place her. So she decided to establish Resthill as a safe space for her mother. She soon found many other people needing a place for there loved ones and so Resthill was born.
Situated in a tranquil rural setting, Resthill Memory Care is not your run-of-the-mill nursing home. It has a homely farm feeling, where the residents (and the animals roam) freely on the property. This is healthy country-style living, centrally located between Johannesburg and Pretoria, making it easily accessible.
Over the years, Resthill Memory Care has grown and developed. The once bare piece of land now boasts two houses, one for residents in the early and middle stages of dementia, and the second home for those in the advanced and end stages of the disease.
It is a relatively small facility, accommodating less than 30 residents, with plans to increase the palliative care section with a few extra beds in the near future. A team of Care Workers and Support Staff take care of the needs of the residents. The staff are well trained and carefully selected so as to provide quality care and assistance to the residents.
Meals are home-cooked on the premises and fresh ingredients are from the extensive gardens. The ethos is based on sustainability and working in conjunction with nature, which means the gardens use organic methods, with almost no poisons used. Instead, permaculture methods are employed to ensure the residents get fresh and wholesome food, as well as lots of exercise in the fresh air. This enhances their quality of life and preserves their dignity during a time when they need it most.
There are regular activities, which includes a range of activities, such as building puzzles, art, music and doll therapy and the regular “Walking Club”. A labyrinth gives time for quiet contemplation, while the beautiful gardens provide ample space for relaxing in nature.
There are no set visiting hours, which means families and friends are free to pop in anytime during the day to visit and spend time with their loved ones. Picnics are a popular way of connecting with a family member or friend, with braai areas available for those who want to make an occasion out of it.
At Resthill Memory Care you are not a patient, but a person and everyone know you by your name. And when in need of serious care, the team knows how to respond and they spring into action to make the necessary arrangements. This is personalised care at its best.
Single, en-suite and double rooms are available. Laundry is done daily on the premises and the team uses eco-friendly cleaning products to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness. The facility is continually assessed and upgraded where necessary so as to ensure world-class quality and service.
Not only are the needs of residents catered for, but also the emotional and psychological needs of family and friends. Communication is kept up to date through various means, including social media, dedicated WhatsApp groups and podcasts. Regular counselling sessions, both individually and in groups, are available. There is even a certified Hypnotherapist on-site to assist with the solving of deeper subconscious problems.
There are many places that take care of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, but there is only one Resthill Memory Care.