What it means
Dementia care units provide a secure environment and staff trained to care for people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Good units have safe walking routes, a calm layout, daily routines and activities designed for memory loss.
Not every frail care centre has a dedicated dementia unit, so ask specifically. A secure unit matters if your parent wanders or becomes distressed.
The directory
All dementia care facilities in the Western Cape
What to ask when visiting a dementia care facility
- 1Is there a dedicated, secure dementia unit, and how many beds does it have?
- 2What dementia-specific training do the staff have?
- 3How do they manage wandering, agitation and sundowning without heavy sedation?
- 4What activities and routines are offered each day?
Questions families ask
Dementia Care: common questions
When should someone with dementia move into specialised care?
Common triggers are wandering, safety risks at home, increasing confusion at night, and a family carer who can no longer cope. A memory clinic, GP or the facility's nursing manager can help assess whether a secure unit is needed.