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Best Dementia Care in Johannesburg for Your Loved Ones

✔ Staff training and expertise - The staff should be well-trained and experienced in dementia care, including understanding the progression of the disease and managing challenging behaviours with compassion and patience​. ✔ Specialised care programmes - We looked for facilities that offer specialised programmes tailored to dementia care, including memory care units and activities designed to stimulate cognitive function and maintain independence. ✔ Support service for families - We searched for facilities that provide support for families, such as counselling, education, and support groups. This helps families stay involved and informed about their loved one's care. ✔ Safety and security - The facility should have robust safety measures, including secure environments to prevent wandering, emergency response systems, and adaptations to reduce fall risks and other hazards​.

Approximately 187,000 people in Johannesburg live with dementia, and this number is expected to rise significantly due to ageing and increasing life expectancy​ (DementiaSA)​​.

Navigating dementia care can be challenging because you only want the best for your loved ones, so finding the right facility is crucial. 

This review explores the top dementia care facilities in Johannesburg, highlighting their unique features, specialised programmes, and compassionate care to help you make an informed decision for your loved ones.

Waverley Gardens Memory Care

waverley-gardens-memory-care-logo

Services: Dementia and Alzheimer’s care, daycare service

Location: 5 Murray St, Waverley

Contact: +27118879881

Business hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM–4 PM

Website

Google reviews score3.75/5
Facebook reviews score 3/5
Total reviews3/5
Score consistency 3/5
Cost(A higher score means better value)4.3/5
Service range 4/5
Regulatory compliance4/5
Consistency of results4/5

Waverley Gardens Memory Care specialises in caring for those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Its care centre provides 24-hour supervision, offering both private and shared rooms to accommodate residents comfortably.

It conveniently offers a daycare service for caregivers to take a break, and for professionals to handle tasks on their behalf. It’s great that the daycare already includes meals and activities.

Monthly levies are reasonable at R15,443. Services cover laundry, cleaning, three meals a day, tea and coffee several times a day, and 24-hour nursing care.

The downside is that Waverley doesn’t have care onsite (medical and personal care services provided directly at the location where an individual resides) services. Instead, patients will be taken to the nearest care centre or a care centre of their choice when needed.

Pros

  • Regular family support group schedule
  • Daycare options
  • Reasonable monthly rates

Cons

  • No onsite medical care

Customer Reviews

The residents are given dignity 

“A home for people suffering from Dementia. What is truly inspirational is the care these residents are given and the dignity that they are allowed to live with.” – Florence-Ann Cronje, Google Review

Can honestly recommend

“Very good. Can honestly recommend this.” – James Assad, Google Review

Ron Smith Care Centre

ron-smith-care-centre-logo

Services: Frail care, dementia care, respite care

Location: 222 Modderfontein Rd, Lyndhurst

Contact: +27118826296

Business hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM–4 PM

Website

Google reviews score4.3/5
Facebook reviews score 2.5/5
Total reviews4/5
Score consistency 3.75/5
Cost(A higher score means better value)3.75/5
Service range 4/5
Regulatory compliance3/5
Consistency of results3.75/5

The Ron Smith Care Centre provides care for 160 elders, offering a choice of single or double room. It specialises in frail care tailored to meet the needs of each resident, including those with physical frailties and individuals living with dementia. 

Do note that frail care costs are separate from the cottages and apartments’ operating costs.

For family and visitors, benches are scattered throughout the gardens for relaxation and socialisation. There’s also a coffee shop on the premises where birthdays are happily celebrated.

It’s good to know that there’s 24-hour nursing care and a doctor on call within the facility. And there are stimulating activities for dementia patients, with ballroom dancing a favourite among residents. 

It also offers respite care for regular caregivers needing a break and recuperative care following hospital stays or illness (subject to availability). 

Pros

  • On-call doctor
  • Respite care available
  • Relaxing surroundings

Cons

  • Frail care costs are not included in the operating costs of cottages and apartments

Customer Reviews

You’ll know your parents will be well cared for

“If you are looking for a care facility for your elderly parents that has a homely environment look no further. With their Eden Philosophy you know your parents will be well cared for. Also with Rand Aid independent living villages, you can’t ask for a better place to retire.” – Nadine Radford, Google Review

The centre is a beautiful, quiet place

“It was nice to mingle with the old people at the centre, they’re so lovely and friendly. The centre is a beautiful, quiet and peaceful place.” – Synodia Nhidza, Google Review

Junes Haven Frail Care

junes-haven-frail-care-logo

Services: Frail care, dementia care, assisted living

Location: 28 Seymour Avenue, Parktown

Contact: +27826260877

Business hours: (visiting hours) Daily, 11 AM – 4 PM

Website

Google reviews score4/5
Facebook reviews score 3/5
Total reviews3/5
Score consistency 3.75/5
Cost(A higher score means better value)5/5
Service range 3/5
Regulatory compliance4/5
Consistency of results3.75/5

One of the most attractive things about June’s Haven Frail Care is its affordable rates. It charges only R19,900 per month for a private room and R14,900 for a shared room. 

However, it’s a smallish facility that could only accommodate up to 20 residents at a time. Don’t expect luxe accommodations here, though the amenities are comfortable and always kept clean and functioning.

But what it lacks in acreage, it makes up with a more community-like feel. The facility aims to veer away from hospital-like settings, hence the friendly gardens and modest units.

Aside from specialised dementia and Alzheimer’s care, the staff can also accommodate errands like shopping and medical appointments. Transportation fees are added on top of monthly fees, but we do like this thoughtful gesture from June’s Haven.

Pros

  • Affordable rates
  • Tranquil surroundings
  • Can assist in outside medical checkups and errands

Cons

  • Can only accommodate up to 20 residents

Customer Reviews

My mom is being cared for so well

“They are excellent both staff and management are fantastic. A relief to know my Mom is being cared for so well.” – Bernice Hinwood, Google Review

Showed my ailing mother only kindness and love during her stay there

“My experience of “June’s Haven” has been nothing but exceptional! Both the management & staff showed my ailing mother only kindness and love during her stay there. The food was homemade and was both scrumptious and nutritious. The staff kept me constantly updated via WhatsApp on my mother’s condition during the COVID lockdown and they went out of their way to ensure that she always had company when she was too frail to get out of bed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Debbie, Joy and Charity along with your team of incredible staff.” – Laura Kartus, Google Review

Livewell Estates

livewell-estates-logo

Services: Dementia care, respite care

Location: 113 Mount St, Bryanston, Sandton

Contact: +27114638212

Business hours: Open 24 hours

Website

Google reviews score4/5
Facebook reviews score 4/5
Total reviews4/5
Score consistency 4/5
Cost(A higher score means better value)3/5
Service range 4/5
Regulatory compliance4/5
Consistency of results4/5

We were drawn to visit Livewell Estates because it provides support services and encourages regular visits from families of residents. Its holistic approach to care includes the emotional and social needs of both residents and their loved ones. 

Respite care services are also available for short-term care, which is ideal for families going on vacation or caregivers needing a break.

Its facilities are practically flawless, too. They include exquisite dining and communal areas, a physiotherapy gym, a clubhouse, a salon, and furnished luxury suites that can accommodate personal items for a homely feel. 

But since it specialises in dementia care in a club-like setting, expect to pay a heftier sum for it at Livewell Estates. Conservative cost ranges from R28,000 to R45,000 per month or R336,000 to R540,000 annually (though it’s best to discuss fees with the advisors).

Pros

  • Gorgeous facilities
  • Counselling and emotional support for families
  • Respite care available

Cons

  • Pricey

Customer Reviews

The ethos of the company is so caring 

“It is a wonderful peaceful setting which is so conducive to the QOL for patients and their families. The ethos of the company is so caring and this runs through all the way from junior to senior staff. A magnificent facility.” – Elaine Milne, Google Review

24/7 care for Alzheimer’s and dementia residents

“24/7 care for Alzheimer’s and dementia residents. Set in a huge garden. Rooms bright and airy – a really great home and very well run.” – Delia Leopold, Google Review

Auria Senior Living

auria-senior-living-logo

Services: Dementia care, assisted living, frail care, home-based care

Location: Suite 802, The Firestation, 16 Baker St, Rosebank

Contact: +27876548833

Business hours: Open 24 hours

Website

Google reviews score5/5
Facebook reviews score 3/5
Total reviews4/5
Score consistency 3/5
Cost(A higher score means better value)2.5/5
Service range 5/5
Regulatory compliance5/5
Consistency of results3.75/5

Auria Senior Care is designed to cater to the unique needs of individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s. We found its facilities to be modern and thoughtfully built.

Its emphasis is on creating a community atmosphere. There are beautiful communal areas, including gardens and lounge spaces, where residents can socialise and participate in group activities.

Aside from luxurious, country club-like accommodations, each resident receives a customised care plan developed by a multidisciplinary team, including nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals, to address their specific needs.

With that, expect services to be on the pricier spectrum here. The cost of dementia care at Auria Senior Care varies, but it generally ranges between R28,000 and R45,000 per month, depending on the level of care and accommodation chosen. 

Pros

  • Well-appointed units and amenities
  • Encourages family participation 
  • Assistance with medication and errands

Cons

  • Pricey

Customer Reviews

Brilliant facility for senior living in a luxurious environment

“Brilliant facility for Senior Living in a luxurious environment, Several communities located in Melrose – Gauteng, Sandringham – Gauteng Bryanston – Gauteng, Coral Cove – KZN, and CT. Absolutely amazing facility with many amenities on site.” – Teresa Sheard, Google Review

Best decision we ever made

“Best decision we ever made. Blessed to be able to live at San Sereno.” – Stuart Lee, Facebook Review

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