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Innovative Dementia Care: Leading the Way with Think Different Dementia

by Lizette Cloete


Raised in the opulence of diplomatic circles, my childhood on New York’s Upper East Side was filled with elite encounters and high-profile events. My father, a South African diplomat at the UN in the 1970s, and my mother, a talented artist and hostess, immersed me in a world of grandeur. Central Park was my playground, and glittering functions were the norm.


My parents attended the Nobel Peace Prize banquet, surrounded by the elite. Later, my father served as the Consul General of South Africa in Rio de Janeiro. My mother thrived in this environment, hosting event after event with the highest quality.


Years later, subtle changes in my mother began to surface, signaling the onset of vascular dementia. The first sign was her refusal to shake hands with people, deviating from the social norms she once upheld. It took years for me to fully comprehend that this shift in her personality was the first sign of her dementia.


Dementia, a global concern, affects 50 million individuals worldwide, with nearly 10 million new cases each year. One in three adults over 65 experiences cognitive impairment, and 75% of those over 80 face some form of dementia.


Even those with considerable means face daunting challenges in providing the best care for their loved ones. With my background and expertise as an Occupational Therapist, Think Different Dementia offers bespoke, compassionate care solutions to help you navigate this difficult journey, ensuring the best possible outcomes for your dementia care journey.


Mastering the Art of Dementia Care

The journey through dementia affects all families, but those with significant resources encounter unique challenges. Managing the complexities of care, balancing privacy, and ensuring high-quality support are essential. We offer personalized services that address specific needs, ensuring effective care that respects each person’s uniqueness.


The Role of a Dementia Care Director

In many families, the care director role is assumed by a spouse, partner, or adult child. This role involves managing the entire caregiving process rather than providing day-to-day personal care. A care director ensures all aspects of care are integrated, aligning values, directing caregivers, facilitating medical care, and addressing family dynamics to maintain the quality of life for both you and your loved one. We blend proven evidence-based strategies to minimize your effort and save you time when navigating dementia.


Emotional and Spiritual Support

The emotional toll of caregiving is profound, often leading to stress, anxiety, and burnout. At Think Different Dementia, we prioritize emotional and spiritual support, offering tailored coaching and stress management techniques to ensure caregivers thrive as they navigate their responsibilities.


As Emma Heming Willis, wife of Bruce Willis, noted, “People caring for a loved one with dementia tend to think that the patient is the important one, and they themselves are not as important. Not only does that make no sense, it’s a toxic attitude to have about yourself. Your health deserves attention too — both your physical health and your mental health” . This insight underscores the necessity of self-care for caregivers.


Navigating the journey of dementia requires a comprehensive, compassionate, and personalized approach. We offer tailored solutions that address the unique needs of each family, ensuring that you begin with the end in mind, recognizing that you, the caregiver, are just as important in this journey.


Join us at Think Different Dementia to discover bespoke care solutions tailored to your needs. Visit our website, or engage with our podcast. Together, we can navigate this journey with confidence and compassion. For more information, reach out to us at www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/call.


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