Best Dementia Care Homes in South Africa
Finding Specialized Care for Your Loved Ones with Dementia
Finding the right care facility for a family member living with dementia can be challenging and emotional. South Africa offers several excellent dementia care homes that provide specialized support and a nurturing environment for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the top 10 dementia care homes in South Africa that offer specialized memory care services. These facilities understand the unique needs of individuals with cognitive impairments and provide compassionate care designed to maintain dignity and quality of life.
1. Waverley Gardens Memory Care
Background
Waverley Gardens Memory Care is a dedicated specialized care center for residents living with Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. As a non-profit organization, they focus on providing compassionate care in a secure and supportive environment. Their facility offers beautiful single and shared accommodation surrounded by tranquil gardens, with spacious lounges for visiting, activities, and entertainment.
Contact Details:
Phone: +27 11 887 9881
Email: info@flower.org.za
Services Offered
Waverley Gardens Memory Care provides 24-hour supervision with accommodation in private or shared rooms tailored to each resident’s individual needs. Their highly trained staff oversees the care of each resident, ensuring they receive professional attention to manage their specific condition.
Services include:
- 3 nutritional meals daily, plus teas and coffees three times a day
- Laundry and cleaning services
- 24-hour specialized nursing care
- Single rooms with en-suite facilities
- Shared rooms with and without en-suite facilities
- Communal lounges and dining rooms
- Community center access
- Sensory room for therapeutic activities
- On-site hairdresser
- 24-hour security
Waverley Gardens specializes in various dementia-related conditions, including Alzheimer’s, Vascular Dementia, Parkinson’s-related Dementia, and Korsakoff syndrome, making it one of the most comprehensive dementia facilities in South Africa.
2. Murambi House
Background
Murambi House is one of the longest-established geriatric homes in the Western Cape, operating since 1966. Ideally situated in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town, this facility dedicates itself to helping and caring for people requiring frail care, including those with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Contact Details:
Address: Corner of Wellington Avenue and Langley Road, Wynberg
Phone: (021) 761 9000/1
Email: info@murambi.co.za
Services Offered
Murambi House offers comprehensive care for those with dementia, understanding that each person’s condition presents unique challenges. Their specialized Dementia/Alzheimer’s unit currently has 16 beds, with additional residents accommodated in private rooms as needed.
Services include:
- 24-hour nursing with qualified staff
- Private care with individualized attention
- Specialized care for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients
- Physiotherapy services
- Post-operative and palliative care
- Day care services
- Fully equipped laundry services
- Well-balanced, home-cooked meals three times daily
- Entertainment and activity programs
- Library access
- On-site hairdresser
- Tuck shop on premises
Murambi House can accommodate approximately 110-115 residents with various accommodation options, including private single rooms, double semi-private rooms, flats, and ward-style arrangements.
3. Resthill Memory Care
Background
Resthill Memory Care is specifically designed as a residential facility providing exclusive care for people living with dementia and other memory loss disorders. With three pet-friendly homes – Robusta, Burkei, and Karroo – they offer an excellent alternative to traditional nursing homes or home care in a country living environment on 3 hectares of land.
Contact Details:
Address: 105 Pretorius Street cnr Koedoe Street, Laezonia AH (on the N14 between Lanseria Airport and Centurion)
Phone: 012 669 3019
Email: hallo@resthill.co.za
Website: www.resthill.co.za
Services Offered
Resthill Memory Care provides specialized care in three distinct homes:
- Burkei Home – For residents with dementia who aren’t frail or in moderate decline but require supportive care with medication and grooming.
- Karroo Home – Offers palliative care for individuals living with dementia, with a specially trained team working alongside doctors.
- Robusta Home – Focuses on residents requiring substantial personalized care for severe/late-stage dementia.
Services across all homes include:
- Three nutritional meals and snacks daily
- Medication monitoring and administration
- Basic manicure, pedicure, and visiting hairdresser services
- On-site laundry services
- Purpose-filled activities and walking programs
- Weekly sessions with a biokineticist
- Safe, structured environment with specialized caregiving
- 24-hour access to medical practitioners
- Two qualified registered nurses residing on the premises
Resthill stands out as a complete dementia care facility in South Africa with its pet-friendly environment, spacious grounds, and specialized focus on memory disorders.
4. Oosmed – Frail Care Centre
Background
Oosmed is a 30-bed Frail Care and Dementia Care facility located in the Willows suburb of Pretoria. As part of the La Vie Care group of healthcare facilities, they follow a holistic wellness approach and are staffed by highly-skilled healthcare professionals.
Contact Details:
The specific address for Oosmed is not provided, but they are located in the Willows suburb of Pretoria.
Services Offered
Oosmed provides 24-hour personal multidisciplinary nursing care to frail and elderly individuals, including those with dementia. All rooms are equipped with comfortable beds and nursing call systems, and their rates include three delicious meals prepared on-premise.
Services include:
- Frail Care and Dementia Care
- Assisted Living
- 24-Hour Care
- On-call Physicians
- Physiotherapy
- Medication Management
- Wound Care
- Respiratory Care
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Respite Care
- Palliative Care
- Podiatrist and Dentist services
- On-Premise Critical Care Ambulance
- Dementia Support Group
Oosmed is registered with the Department of Social Development and fully complies with the Older Persons Act 13 of 2006, ensuring high standards of care.
5. TotalCareLiving
Background
TotalCareLiving began with one community and a handful of passionate caregivers who believed that aging should be met with grace, joy, and community support. Today, they serve residents across South Africa, offering Lifestyle Living, Assisted Living, and Frail Care across beautifully maintained luxury estates.
Contact Details:
Address: First Floor, Block C, White Thorn Office Park, 606 Kudu Street, Allensnek, 1737
Email: newsdesk@totalcare.co.za
Phone: 0861 130 456
Services Offered
TotalCareLiving provides specialized dementia support within their care options, focusing on gentle, specialized care in supportive environments designed to maintain dignity and encourage comfort and familiarity.
Their comprehensive services include:
- 24-Hour Professional Care
- Elegant Accommodation
- Nutritious Dining
- Laundry & Cleaning
- Lifestyle & Wellness programs
- Medication Management
- Vital Sign Monitoring
- On-Site GP Consultations
- Personalized Care Plans
- Emergency Response System
- Social Activities & Events
- Family Support & Communication
- Housekeeping & Administrative Assistance
TotalCareLiving operates 13 care facilities across South Africa, making their dementia care services accessible in multiple regions.
6. Brooklyn Care
Background
Brooklyn Care is a world-class healthcare facility situated in the Groenkloof/Brooklyn area of Pretoria, next to Blue Crane Bird Park. This newly renovated private healthcare facility treats residents not just as patients but as family members.
Contact Details:
Address: 44 Charles Bramley Str, Baileys Muckleneuk, Groenkloof
Phone: +27 012 001 4091
Email: info@brooklyncare.co.za
Services Offered
Brooklyn Care provides a peaceful, caring, and safe environment for people living with dementia. They encourage residents to participate in daily activities and continue a healthy lifestyle.
Services include:
- 24-Hour Nursing Care with qualified nurses
- Medication Management & Administration
- Daily Nutritional Meals
- Social Activities & Events
- Laundry & Cleaning Services
- Beautifully Maintained Gardens
- Shared Living & Dining Rooms
- House Calls from medical practitioners
- Specialized dementia and Alzheimer’s care
Activities offered include painting, knitting, coloring, puzzles, and ball games, all designed to improve cognitive function, relationships, mental well-being, and physical vitality.
Monthly rates start at R21,200 for assisted living (excluding nursing) and R25,500 for frail care in a single room.
7. Camphors Care Centre
Background
The Camphors is a family-run business in Hillcrest, Durban that has grown to offer various accommodation and care options, including assisted living, frail care, and specialized care for those with Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and related conditions.
Contact Details:
Address: 30 Blessing Ninela Road (formerly Fischer Road), Hillcrest, 3610
Phone: 031 765 1419
Email: admin@thecamphors.net or info@thecamphors.co.za
Services Offered
The Camphors Care Centre is divided into different areas:
- The Studios (assisted living)
- The Annex (semi-frail care)
- The Camphors (frail care)
- The Lodge (specialized Alzheimer’s/Dementia Centre)
Their care approach is based on individual needs assessments, with the aim to improve or maintain each resident’s level of functioning, independence, and quality of life for as long as possible.
Services include:
- Health monitoring and medication management
- Nutrition and hydration maintenance
- Liaison with doctors and specialists
- Mobility maintenance and pressure part care
- Wound treatment and dressing
- Mental stimulation and emotional support
- Quality palliative (end-of-life) care
- Arts and crafts classes weekly
- Armchair aerobics weekly
- Pet therapy weekly
- Additional services like hairdressing and chiropody
The Lodge, their specialized facility for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia, features a therapeutic physical environment that is light, bright, and open-plan to reduce reflections and shadows, with plenty of “pacing space” to reduce agitation and distress.
8. Midway Care Centre
Background
Midway Care Centre is a new-generation frail care facility specializing in providing personalized care for people suffering from Alzheimer’s and other types of Dementia. They aim to improve the holistic wellness and overall quality of life of their residents.
Contact Details:
Address: Lot 109 Cavin Rd, Bashewa AH, Pretoria, Gauteng, 0081
Phone: +27 82 441 6840
Email: sharon@midwaycare.co.za
Services Offered
Midway provides specialized, comprehensive nursing and frail care for persons with Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Parkinson’s, and other physical health challenges.
Their services include:
- 24-hour specialized frail care
- Focus on healthy nutrition as proposed by the Department of Health
- Purpose-built care facility
- Environment that maintains resident dignity
- Therapeutic activities for mind/brain stimulation and physical wellbeing
- Arts, crafts, and sensory stimulation
- Inter-denominational church services
- Qualified nursing and caring staff
- Ongoing staff training and professional development
Midway emphasizes personal medical and emotional care, ensuring residents are never left unattended. They have access to physicians who visit weekly and are available for emergencies, and they maintain above-standard care worker ratios as set by the Department of Social Development and Health.
9. Oasis Care Centre
Background
Oasis Care Centre has been providing professional, warm, and loving care in a luxury environment since 2007. Located within the Oasis Retirement Resort at Century City in Cape Town, they aim to ensure residents live each day to the best of their potential in a happy and homely environment.
Contact Details:
Address: Oasis Care Centre, Century Way City, Cape Town, 7441
Phone: +27 21 528 7301
Email: lizzieb@capetownoasis.co.za
Services Offered
Oasis Care Centre offers specialized Alzheimer’s/Dementia care in a dedicated secure wing on the first floor, featuring a spacious lounge and entertainment area that leads to a large sunny patio with views over a magnificent courtyard.
Their dementia care services include:
- Single private rooms with en-suite facilities
- Private full suites
- 24-hour nursing and care by a dedicated team
- Specialized memory care staff training
- Individualized care plans
- Medication administration
- On-site doctor during working hours and on-call after hours
- Three meals daily prepared by in-house catering
- Special diets accommodated
- Daily laundry and cleaning services
- Daily activities program planned by in-house occupational therapists
- Weekly outings to venues around Cape Town
- On-site hairdresser
The facility is located in Century City, which is home to Canal Walk shopping center and beautiful landscaped areas including a canal and Intaka Island, famous for its bird species.
10. Kadembo Care Lodge
Background
Kadembo Care Lodge is a permanent residential facility offering accommodation, meals, laundry, 24-hour care, and related activities. Their approach moves away from the institutionalized feel of traditional establishments, instead creating an environment that emulates residents’ former homes by using converted residential properties rather than high-rise hospital-like buildings.
Contact Details:
Phone: +27 (0)84 510 6718 (Owner)
Phone: +27 (0)74 260 8679 (Manager)
Phone: +27 (0)12 546 0409 (Office)
Phone: +27 (0)74 348 1990 (Emergency)
Email: urshla.ferreira@yahoo.com
Services Offered
Kadembo Care Lodge aims to provide professional care at affordable prices in a homely environment.
Their services include:
- 24/7 trained care workers and staff assistance
- Healthy and wholesome breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Weekly laundry services ensuring clean clothes and bedding
- Manicures and pedicures on Mondays and Fridays
- Visiting hairdresser every second Wednesday
- Arts & Crafts activities on Wednesdays
- Church Services on Thursdays
- Close proximity to Akasia Hospital and Eugene Marais Hospital
- Partnership with Noord Pharmacy for medication delivery
- Partnership with Lifemed for free hospital returns
Kadembo Care Lodge is situated in Pretoria North and focuses on creating a home-like environment that helps residents feel comfortable and cared for.
Finding the Right Dementia Care Home in South Africa
When choosing a dementia facility in South Africa for your loved one, consider these important factors:
- Specialized Memory Care: Look for facilities with staff specifically trained in dementia and Alzheimer’s care.
- Safety Features: Secure environments designed to prevent wandering while allowing freedom of movement are essential.
- Personalized Care Plans: Each person with dementia has unique needs and progresses differently.
- Activity Programs: Engaging activities designed for cognitive stimulation help maintain functioning.
- Staff Qualifications: Check the ratio of staff to residents and their qualifications in dementia care.
- Family Involvement: Facilities that welcome family participation and communication tend to provide better care.
The decision to move a loved one to a dementia care home is never easy. However, specialized facilities can provide the expert care, safety, and quality of life that may become difficult to maintain at home as the condition progresses.
These top 10 dementia care homes in South Africa represent some of the finest options available, each offering unique approaches to memory care while maintaining dignity and comfort for residents living with dementia.
Remember that personal visits and conversations with staff, residents, and other families are essential steps in making this important decision for your loved one’s care.