Property360 - National Digital Magazine - 23 June 2023

COPING WITH

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The big move: it’s a family affair

AS OUR parents age, their housing needs may change. Some may decide to age in place and that will take modifications to their home. Others may decide to transition to a retirement village with care facilities that can provide a safe and supportive environment. This decision requires careful planning and consideration to ensure a smooth transition. A comprehensive plan for children to consider:

Initiate open and honest conversations: Before making any decisions, have open and honest conversations with your parents about their wishes, concerns and expectations. Respect their autonomy and involve them in the decision-making process as much as possible. Understanding their preferences and priorities will help you find a retirement village that aligns with their needs.

Research and visit multiple retirement villages: Conduct thorough research on retirement villages in South Africa that offer care facilities. Consider factors such as location, amenities, available health-care services, staff qualifications and the overall atmosphere of the community. Visit multiple villages to assess their suitability and involve your parents in the decision-making process.

Evaluate care services and facilities: Carefully assess the care services and facilities offered by each retirement village. Consider the level of care your parents require now and in the future, such as assisted living, nursing care, memory care or specialised medical

services. Ensure that the retirement village can meet their evolving needs and provide a comfortable living environment.

Review financial considerations: Understand the financial implications of placing your parents in a retirement village. Evaluate the costs associated with accommodation, care services, meals and other amenities. Review the payment structures, including entrance fees, monthly fees and any potential increases over time. Consult a financial adviser to ensure you have a clear understanding of the financial commitments involved.

Involve legal and medical professionals: Engage legal and medical professionals to assist you throughout the process. Seek advice from an attorney specialising in elder law to review contracts and ensure legal protection. Consult your parents’ health-care professionals to assess their medical needs and obtain the necessary medical records for the retirement village.

Plan the transition and moving process: Develop a comprehensive plan for the transition and moving process. Determine the timeline for moving; co-ordinate logistics such as decluttering, selling stuff, downsizing, packing, transportation and storage if necessary. Ensure that your parents’ belongings are handled with care and consider their emotional well-being during this significant life change.

Foster emotional support: Recognise that transitioning

to a retirement village can be emotionally challenging for your parents. Offer reassurance, understanding and empathy throughout the process. Encourage them to connect with other residents and participate in activities to foster a sense of belonging within the retirement village community.

Continual communication and involvement: Remain in contact with your parents after they move to the retirement village. Regularly visit, communicate and participate in their lives in order to maintain a strong bond. Attend family events and encourage them to maintain connections with friends and family outside the retirement village.

Advocate for their well-being: Act as an advocate for your parents within the retirement village. Establish open lines of communication with the staff, address any concerns promptly and ensure that their needs are being met. Regularly assess their satisfaction with the care and services provided and address any issues that arise.

Review and adjust as needed: Regularly review the decision to place your parents in a retirement village and make adjustments if necessary. Remain involved in their care and wellbeing, assess their changing needs and consider if additional support or care is required. Regularly communicate with your parents and the retirement village staff to ensure their happiness and quality of life.

Staff Reporter

A guide to handling the transition to a retirement village as seamlessly as possible, and with sensitivity

Forgotten dreams

A diagnosis of dementia can put paid to retirement dreams and could entirely change where you end up spending the last years of your life

BY VIVIAN WARBY vivian.warby@inl.co.za

Communication is key

BY ADELE MAY AND SHAKILA DADA

“WATCHING my father slowly deteriorate and being unable to make decisions for himself, was one of the most terrifying aspects of his dementia diagnosis,” says Capetonians Jean de Beer.

His father’s fate was left in his hands and De Beer found it difficult making decisions that affected everything about his father’s life. Having diminished mental capacity meant De Beer’s dad was unable to make informed decisions relating to his medical treatment, where he would live and the care he would receive.

For anyone, this is a frightening prospect because it could lead to prolonged pain, discomfort and suffering if your caregivers don’t make the best decisions for you.

Experts advise that by proactively addressing the matters while still capable of understanding the implications, you can exert greater influence over your future plans.

In fact, they say, your olderage plan should include some commentary on the possibility you may get dementia.

WHERE DO YOU BEGIN?

Discuss your wishes: Have an open conversation with your partner and family members regarding the decisions around your life and care should you be affected by dementia. By fostering clear communication, you can ensure your family is wellinformed and equipped to make the necessary arrangements on your behalf. Families sometimes don’t want to broach the subject, so you could also write all your wishes down and email it to them.

Select a trusted representative: When it comes to legal and financial matters, do appoint a trusted

person to act on your behalf. Consider selecting a second person should the first not be available when the time comes. While a power of attorney might be enough in the early stages of dementia, it becomes invalid once cognitive function deteriorates further. You could also discuss with a legal or financial adviser a plan for the possibility of legal curatorship and identify the most suitable individual/s for the role.

Draft a living will, also known as an advance health directive, where your wishes for future medical treatment can be expressed and you can appoint a medical proxy.

Giving the role to an implicitly trusted individual guarantees endof-life care choices are honoured if you can no longer communicate them personally. Updating your will is also of paramount importance in the comprehensive planning process.

HOME CARE: Begin with what home care would look like for you and what it would entail.

Daily assistance with cooking, dressing, bathing, and personal and financial needs, as well as home safety measures and medication management, might become necessary. This might initially seem overwhelming. However, many people are well cared for at home by dedicated carers (often family members) in the beginning or even later stages of the disease.

Also have a plan for any pets should you no longer be able to care for them.

VISIT CARE FACILITIES:

It is important that part of your pre-planning leads you to explore various care facilities to assess the

options available should you ever need to go in that direction.

ASK THESE QUESTIONS: Do they have:

✦ Dementia care centres?

✦ Frail care?

✦ Occupational therapy, including music therapy?

✦ Do they allow pets?

✦ Enough carers to residents? (Too few carers could mean you miss out on proper care.)

✦ Personalised accommodation?

✦ Trained health-care staff who understand the unique needs of dementia patients?

✦ Safe, secure and comfortable accommodation?

CHECK IF:

✦ Residents are well taken care of. Do they have the freedom to walk around and enjoy the outdoors accompanied by carers, for instance?

✦ They involve loved ones in decision-making processes and keep them informed about daily life.

✦ They know the latest global dementia-care trends and implement them.

✦ Your family are kept abreast of any changes, in management for instance, because things do change at care facilities.

Some retirees decide to buy into developments that have these care facilities attached so that there is not much upheaval.

WHEN talking about dementia, it’s important to consider the misconceptions and stigma associated with such a diagnosis. One misconception is that little can be done to improve the quality of life of those who suffer from it because it is a degenerative condition. The narrative paints a bleak future for people with dementia and is one that must be challenged.

Communication is an integral part of the human experience as it creates possibilities to develop social connections with others. Communication difficulties persist across all dementia subtypes.

Over time, with a loss of language, those with the condition are likely to withdraw from interpersonal interaction altogether.

The communication difficulties can be distressing to spouses, children or grandchildren as they might be unaware of how to provide appropriate support when interacting with their loved one.

Ultimately, the challenges could create a social and emotional divide between those with dementia and their family; this puts a strain on family relationships. There are various strategies that family members can employ during a conversation to support someone with dementia:

✦ Gain the attention of the person by using their name to address them. This not only shows respect for them but also upholds their self-identity and personhood.

✦ Use multiple forms of communication (spoken language with facial expressions) to enhance the meaning of what is being expressed.

✦ Avoid completing their sentences – rather stop and wait. This will allow them time to process information and to respond at their own pace.

✦ Incorporate familiar music and songs into conversations. Music is one area that is often well preserved in people with dementia. This can provide everyone involved with an enjoyable activity through which to connect.

✦ Offer the person choices to promote their independence in daily decisionmaking. The implementation of augmentative and alternative communication can be vital in facilitating important decision-making conversations by using pictures to support the understanding of information and expression of personal preferences.

Innovative interventions that employ artificial intelligence to support communication are also being developed.

DEMENTIA South Africa (www.dementiasa. org) and Alzheimer’s South Africa (https:// alzheimers.org.za) are two examples of nonprofit organisations that offer workshops, training, advice and support to families and caregivers. The services are available in several South African languages and are

accessible across all provinces.

From a human rights perspective, people with dementia have a right to participate in decisions and have their voices heard. Many often feel that their opinions aren’t taken seriously or their views are ignored, even within their own homes. There are

various advocacy organisations, such as Dementia Alliance International (www. dementiaallianceinternational.org), that are leading the charge in advocating for the autonomy and independence of people with dementia to express their opinions in matters that affect their lives. University of Pretoria

Excerpts from a piece by Adele May, PhD at the University of Pretoria, and Professor Shakila Dada of the Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication at UP.

There is help

WIDENHAM VILLAGE: LIVE AND THRIVE

WIDENHAM RETIREMENT

VILLAGE is the newest offering in the Hibiscus Retirement Villages stable. Margate, Ramsgate and Umdoni Retirement Villages are well-established retirement villages and the society has a proven track record of more than 60 years.

Widenham Retirement Village has plenty to offer retired people. It is set in 100 hectares of conservation area overlooking the sea, between the villages of Umkomaas and Widenham, 40km south of Durban and 9km north of Scottburgh.

Two bowling greens, a swimming pool, community centre, activity rooms, gym, library, bar and clubhouse facilities are administered by the residents for the residents. We have more than 25 activity groups, among them aqua aerobics, bridge and card clubs, fitness groups, a garden club, walking groups and a birding

club. The Widenham Retirement Village Bowling Club is affiliated to the Kingfisher Bowling Association. We have a nursing clinic with sisters on duty and a frail-care facility in the planning stages.

We have more than 8km of walkways through the wetland and around the perimeter fence. The property is completely fenced with electric fencing. It also has security cameras. The village has gate control as well as patrolling guards. At night, we have patrol dogs on the fence line.

Two large water tanks made it possible to keep our residents in water over the past outage. Should it be necessary, we have access to borehole water as well. Our wetlands are conservation areas and we are constantly monitoring them for alien plants,

which we remove We have a number of duiker, bushbuck, otter and mongoose and a plethora of birds in the wetlands.

Phases 1, 2, 3 and 4 are complete and Phase 5 is open for sales. We have 356 cottages occupied and more than 550 residents.

Phase 5 has 60 sites from which to choose. Once you have chosen your site, we will build you a two- or three-bedroom unit. All our units are sold on the life-right basis. Peace of mind in your retirement is what you deserve – retire once, move once. Visit us and experience our village and our hospitality first hand.

Call either Caylin at 066 306 0669 or Jenette at 066 306 0612 during office hours from Monday to Friday.

OASIS LIFE: FEEL RIGHT AT HOME FROM DAY 1

OASIS LIFE is all about enjoying a fabulous retirement lifestyle, and a substantial part of that is peace of mind. Our retirement philosophy is therefore based on four pillars: lifestyle security, financial security, physical security and healthcare security.

We build our clubhouses and facilities in the first phase of every development, which means that residents can enjoy the hospitalitybased lifestyle from day one.

Oasis Life was launched in 2018, with the first estate established within the Clara Anna Fontein secure lifestyle estate in Durbanville, Cape Town. The picturesque village consists of 125 free-standing houses.

The second Oasis Life estate was launched in Burgundy Estate, bordering the historic De Grendel wine farm a year later. It is selling apartments, houses and cottages.

Our growing community consists of 132 residents.

Oasis Life Constantia launched in March 2023, and has sold 50% of the development that consists of 63 apartments and 46 houses.

A luxury apartment-based estate will be launching in Century City towards the end of 2023.

For more information about Oasis Life, visit our website: www.oasislife.co.za

FROM R1 550 000

From 24 hour security, natural wetlands, a Care Centre with assisted living facilities, a clubhouse with a resort swimming pool, bowling green, gym, bar and restaurant. Greenhaven Estate offers you a secure leisure lifestyle with everything you could ever possibly need right on your doorstep.

With over 50% of the estate now sold out, Greenhaven Estate recently launched 63 new sectional title opportunities in two new development phases. Available in six different sizes and various layout design options. These spacious two and three bedroom single-level units feature contemporary country-style architecture and a selection of modern finishes.

Kloof / Padfield Park

Widenham Retirement Village, the newest addition to the Hibiscus Retirement Village group, is set on 100 hectares of plush coastal forest in the quaint community of Widenham/ Umkomaas, just 40km from Durban. Beautiful sea and/or wetland views!!

There is no waiting list; for Widenham Retirement Village; cottages are sold on life rights basis; no transfer duties or commissions!

Don’t delay…….. Secure your piece of paradise and join over 560 Widenham residents creating a new life, learning new activities and making new friends.

KZN SOUTH COAST’S GOLDEN INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY

Renishaw Hills ticks all the right boxes for a property investment opportunity. Based in beautiful Scottburgh, our series of award-winning homes boast spectacular sea views and coastal greenery at every turn.

In comparison to the cost of other coastal properties in South Africa, the Kwa-Zulu Natal South Coast’s property prices are almost too good to be true. Over the past 5 years, Renishaw Hills has thrived in spite of unforeseen adversities (such as COVID-19 and the KZN floods and riots) with our development growing by more than 50% during this time.

The old adage of “location is key” perfectly sums up why investing in Renishaw Hills is such a wise decision. From the beaches, nature reserves and gorges; to the cliffs, waterfalls, lagoons and year-round coastal weather - KZN South Coast is the ideal destination to live that endless holiday.

Renishaw Hills is situated within the Renishaw Coastal Precinct to the west of Scottburgh on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, just 45 minutes from Durban. Meet the team, tour the village and take a closer look at our finishes when you email sales@renishawhills.co.za or feel free to book a tour at : renishawhills.co.za/book-a-tour/

RONDEBOSCH R5,3 MILLION CAVENDISH HEIGHTS R2,1 MILLION

ROSEBANK R1,995 MILLION

RONDEBOSCH R1,95 MILLION

RONDEBOSCH R1, 5 MILLION

RONDEBOSCH

WHITEHALL COURT R1,35 MILLION

R1,39 MILLION

Small Security Complex. Two Spacious Bedroomed Apartment with lounge leading to large Balcony. Fitted Kitchen & Full Bathroom. *Parking Bay. Close to Dean Street Shops, Restaurant and Jammie Shuttle Stop.

Security Complex Ecklenberg in pretty garden setting. Spacious Three Bedroomed Apartment (200m²) with Stunning Mountain Views. *Kitchen, Dining Room, Sun Room, Two Full Bathrooms, TV Lounge & Laundry Room. *Tandem Garage. *Close to Shops & Transport.

Charming One Bedroomed Apartment (57m²) for sale. Spacious Lounge with Balcony. Bedroom with ample BICs. Shower Bathroom with Toilet & Basin. Fitted Kitchen plumbed

with Kitchenette, Built-in Cupboards and Balcony. Shower Bathroom. Walk to UCT, Jammie Shuttle, Shops & Transport.

Charming Two Bedroomed Apartment (95m²) with Fitted Kitchen open to Dining Room / Lounge and Balcony with views. Full Bathroom and Sep Toilet. **Covered Parking Bay. **Walk to Kingsbury Hospital, Library, Restaurants, Jammie Shuttle, Shops and Transport!

Spacious North-Facing Two Bedroomed Apartment with Lounge and Balcony with Mountain Views. Bathroom with Shower over Bath. Fitted Kitchen. *Garage. *Walk to Shopping Centres, Restaurants, UCT and Transport.

Spacious Three Bedroomed Apartment (123m²) above the Main Road in pretty garden setting. Fitted Kitchen and Bathroom. *Parking Bay. Walk to UCT, Jammie Shuttle, Main Road Shops & Transport.

CONTACT: RHONDA C: 082 448 7795 T: 021 685 2212 E: RRPSALES@MWEB.CO.ZA

Large One Bedroomed pied-à-terre Apartment with Lounge and Balcony & Stunning Mountain Views. 24HR Security Shareblock Complex. Fitted Kitchen. Shower Bathroom. **Garage. **Catering & Cleaning Services. **Walk to Shops, Baxter Theatre and Library!

Small Security Complex! Delightful Two Bedroom Apartment in the Golden Mile. Lounge with spacious Balcony. Fitted Kitchen with built-in Oven, Hob and Extractor Fan. *Shower Bathroom. *Walk to Michaels Restaurant, Leading Schools, Jammie Shuttle Stop & Park

/ WWW.RHONDARAADPROPERTIES.CO.ZA

FOR SALE

R 1 295 000

2 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS

SPACIOUS APARTMENT IN DIEP RIVER.

2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment in Clarewood, Diep River, a short walk to the station, Martins Bakery and other local amenities, above the railway line.

• Fitted kitchen with electric oven, hob and extractor and plumbing for washing machine.

• Open-plan lounge with parquet flooring

•Two double bedrooms with an en-suite bathroom complete with bath and shower. • Covered Parking bay. • Prepaid electricity

ERF: 1471m2 | HOME: 70m2 | RATES: R 450 p/m | LEVIES: R 1500 p/m

PLEASE CONTACT: Collin Mbiriri on 071 879 8564 or email cmbiriri@gmail.com or mmnyandoro@gmail.com

AGENTS’ DIRECTORY

DOGON GROUP PROPERTIES

Atlantic Seaboard Office 021 433 2580

thekings@dogongroup.com

www.dogongroup.com

RHONDA RAAD PROPERTIES

Cape Town Office 082 448 7795

Email: rrpsales@mweb.co.za

www.rhondaraadproperties.co.za

ASKA PROPERTY GROUP

Sandown, Milnerton Estates Office 071 604 8493

Email: corlia@aska.co.za

www.askaproperty.co.za

DOGON GROUP RENTALS

Sea Point Office 021 433 2580

enquiries@dogongroup.com

www.dogongroup.com

DE PLATTEKLOOF

Cape Town 060 960 0100

Email: live@deplattekloof.co.za

www.deplattekloof.co.za

WIDENHAM RETIREMENT

VILLAGE South Coast, KZN 066 306 0669 / 066 306 0612

www.hibiscusrv.co.za

www.widenhamretirementvillage.co.za

DOGON GROUP PROPERTIES

Southern Suburbs, Claremont Office 021 671 0258

southernsuburbs@dogongroup.com www.dogongroup.com

PETER MASKELL AUCTIONEERS

KZN

Office: 033 397 1190

Email: info@maskell.co.za

www.bidlive.maskell.co.za

MURAMBI HOUSE

Wynberg Office

murambihouse@telkomsa.net

www.murambi.co.za

Address: Cnr Langley Road & Wellington Avenue, Wynberg,

DOGON GROUP PROPERTIES

Western Seaboard Office: 021 556 5600 or 021 433 2580 enquiries@dogongroup.com www.dogongroup.com

VAN’S AUCTIONEERS

Gauteng Office 086 111 8267

www.vansauctions.co.za

www.iolproperty.co.za