This guide helps you evaluate dementia and Alzheimer’s care facilities in South Africa so you can choose an environment that protects safety, dignity, and quality of life. When comparing options, focus on secure settings to prevent wandering and falls, reliable 24/7 medical oversight and medication management, and staff with specialist dementia training. Facilities that offer individualised activity programmes and compassionate care often see lower agitation levels and better engagement over time.
Understanding Types of Dementia & Alzheimer’s Care
In South Africa, dementia care is available through several models, including dedicated memory care units, retirement villages with memory support, frail care centres, in-home dementia care, and continuing care retirement communities. Many programmes operate with a staff-to-resident ratio of approximately 1:6–1:12 and use secure layouts to reduce wandering risk. Comparing staff training, daily programmes, medication handling, and emergency response procedures will help you identify the most appropriate setting.
- Memory care units – secure households with structured routines
- Retirement villages – personal care with optional memory support
- Frail care centres – higher medical oversight and nursing care
| Memory care units | Small households (6–12 residents), locked exits, activity-focused days |
| Retirement villages | Meals, personal care, optional dementia programmes, moderate supervision |
| Frail care centres | 24/7 nursing, medication administration, higher clinical support |
| In-home dementia care | One-on-one support in a familiar environment, limited medical services |
| Continuing care communities | On-site progression from independent living to memory and frail care |
Types of Facilities
You should visit household-style memory units, retirement village memory wings, locked frail care sections, continuing care campuses, and licensed in-home providers to compare staffing, layout, and daily routines. Household-style units usually accommodate 6–12 residents and prioritise familiarity, while frail care centres provide continuous clinical oversight and structured medication management.
- Household-style care – smaller groups, homelike routines
- Retirement village memory wings – private units with added support
- Locked frail care units – higher supervision and nursing presence
- In-home dementia care – personalised but limited clinical scope
- Continuing care campuses – seamless transitions as needs change
| Household-style | 6–12 residents, consistent staff, predictable routines |
| Retirement village | Private flats, shared amenities, optional memory programmes |
| Frail care centre | Professional nurses on-site, higher staff ratios |
| In-home care | Flexible schedules, respite for family carers |
| Continuing care | Long-term planning with predictable progression |
Specialised Programmes
High-quality dementia care facilities often provide Montessori-based engagement, music and art therapy, reminiscence groups, behavioural support plans, and gentle physical exercise. These activities are usually run in small groups of 6–10 residents and monitored regularly to track agitation, mood, and participation.
- Montessori-based activities – task-focused, skill-preserving
- Music therapy – personalised playlists to regulate mood
- Reminiscence groups – memory cues and social connection
- Behavioural support – individualised plans to reduce distress
- Physical programmes – balance, mobility, fall prevention
When assessing programmes, ask for sample schedules, outcome tracking, and caregiver qualifications. Facilities that regularly review care plans and involve families often report fewer behavioural incidents and reduced emergency transfers.
Important Factors to Consider
When comparing dementia and Alzheimer’s care options, prioritise safety, staffing quality, activity programming, and affordability. Look for secured perimeters, reliable medication management, and either 24/7 nursing staff or on-call medical support. In South Africa, monthly dementia care fees typically vary widely depending on region, care level, and whether services are partially subsidised.
- Location – proximity to family and hospitals
- Staffing – ratios, experience, dementia training
- Safety – locked exits, fall prevention, monitoring
- Programmes – cognitive therapies and daily activities
- Cost – monthly fees and what is included
Location and Accessibility
Select a facility that makes regular visits practical, ideally within a 10–20 minute drive. Check access to major hospitals, visitor parking, and secure, well-lit entrances. Proximity to the city centre or CBD may also improve emergency response times.
Staff Qualifications and Training
Verify that caregivers receive dementia-specific training, often ranging from 12–40 hours initially with ongoing refreshers. Ask about background checks, CPR and first-aid certification, and whether the facility uses recognised, person-centred dementia care approaches. Staffing ratios in higher-acuity units are often close to 1:6 during the day.
Pros and Cons of Different Care Options
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 24/7 supervision reduces wandering risk | Higher monthly fees than general senior housing |
| Structured activities support cognition | More rigid routines |
| Medication management and nursing oversight | Less personal control over daily schedules |
| Staff trained in dementia care techniques | Staff turnover can affect continuity |
| Secure environments improve safety | Less privacy than home-based care |
Benefits of Dedicated Memory Care
Dedicated memory care provides a secure and supervised environment where trained staff use routines, redirection, and engagement to reduce agitation and wandering. Many facilities offer daily group activities, therapy sessions, and consistent medication management.
Home Care vs Facility Care
Home-based dementia care offers familiarity but often relies on carers working limited shifts, creating gaps in supervision. Coordinating multiple caregivers can increase stress and costs, while facilities provide continuous oversight and structured routines.
Tips for Selecting the Right Dementia Care Facility
When visiting facilities, confirm 24-hour supervision, a secure perimeter, clear medication procedures, and a daytime staff-to-resident ratio of around 1:6–1:8. Review sample care plans, daily schedules, and inspection histories.
- Dementia-specific staff training
- Staff-to-resident ratios by shift
- Secure exits and monitoring
- Individualised care plans
- Medication management systems
Questions to Ask Facilities
Ask about staff turnover, training hours, ratios during day and night shifts, wandering prevention protocols, and average monthly costs. Request examples of individualised care plans and family communication policies.
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious if you observe unexplained bruising, rapid weight loss, unanswered call bells, or vague answers from staff. Multiple recent complaints or high staff turnover can indicate deeper issues.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Selection Process
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Assess needs | Evaluate behaviour, mobility, medication, and supervision needs |
| 2. Budget & funding | Compare costs, Medical Aid support, and SASSA Older Persons Grant |
| 3. Shortlist facilities | Focus on secure dementia programmes and trained staff |
| 4. Visit on-site | Tour during meals and evenings, review staffing ratios |
| 5. Trial stay | Arrange short-term respite to assess adjustment |
Initial Research and Visits
Create a shortlist of facilities and visit at different times of day. Observe resident engagement, staff responsiveness, and safety features. Ask for family references and recent incident records.
Making the Final Decision
Balance cost against safety and care quality. A facility with lower staff turnover, strong training, and reliable nursing support often delivers better long-term outcomes, even if fees are higher.
Reviewing Dementia Care Over Time
Reassess care quality every 30–90 days. Track falls, medication errors, wandering incidents, and staff changes. Regular reviews ensure care remains aligned with your loved one’s needs.
Adjusting Care Plans
If agitation, falls, or health changes increase, update care plans immediately. Facilities should document changes promptly and involve families in decision-making.
To Wrap Up
Choosing the best dementia or Alzheimer’s care facility in South Africa requires careful evaluation of safety, staffing, training, programmes, cost, and communication. By visiting multiple options, asking detailed questions, and reviewing care regularly, you can select an environment that preserves dignity, comfort, and quality of life in 2026 and beyond.
FAQ
Q: How do I know if a dementia care facility is suitable?
A: Look for secure environments, trained staff, individualised care plans, clear medication management, and consistent family communication.
Q: What questions should families ask during a visit?
A: Ask about staff training, ratios, turnover, wandering prevention, emergency procedures, and total monthly costs.
Q: How can families support continuity of care after placement?
A: Share life history details, attend care reviews, bring familiar items, and maintain regular communication with the care team.