Could you share how the Ugandan community has responded to your services, given that many families typically have caregivers for elderly relatives at home?
Our targeted corporate Ugandan clients are satisfied with our services and often express their wish of us having started sooner. The challenges of family caregiving are on the rise, particularly as relatives from the rural areas are less inclined to come to Kampala to assist with care. We emphasise that a maid cannot substitute for the expertise of a trained caregiver or nurse. These professionals are specifically trained to provide the essential attention and care that senior individuals need. Additionally, we have met several clients, especially those in the diaspora, who were previously unaware of our services in Uganda. They frequently share their regrets about not connecting with us earlier, as many have struggled to manage the care of their loved ones and wished for access to a caregiver or nursing assistant when the responsibilities became overwhelming.
- How does your facility meet the diverse needs of different elderly groups, such as those require memory care and those who need assisted living support?
Currently, our non-medical home care and wellness agency focuses on providing services in clients’ own homes or in the hospitals where they receive treatment. We send our staff to deliver quality home care 24/7. However, we recognize the growing demand for alternative care options and have identified the establishment of a dedicated care home as part of our future strategic plans. Many inquiries indicate a significant need in this area, particularly since clients have mentioned that existing facilities tend to be too expensive. At Carealth, our promise is to care for your loved ones as we would our own.
- What provisions or programs do you offer to encourage and support family involvement in the care of their elderly relatives?
Caring for an elderly relative can be incredibly stressful and draining, especially when juggling other commitments. At Carealth Services Ltd, we understand this challenge all too well, as our founder was once in the same situation. This understanding is what inspired the creation of Carealth Services. To support our clients, we offer a listening ear and a compassionate understanding. We provide free consultation services every Friday afternoon from 2 PM to 4 PM via our official office lines. Additionally, we make it a point to visit our clients at least every fortnight to check in on the caregiver, service user, and client. These visits help us find ways to enhance our services and better serve our clients in the long term. Clients can also reach out to us anytime they feel overwhelmed and need someone to talk to. Furthermore, we have established a family caregivers support WhatsApp group where members can connect with others who share similar life experiences, allowing them to exchange ideas on
caring for their aging loved ones.
- What strategies do you suggest to motivate pre-retirees and the next generation to consider and plan for these types of services in advance?
Insurance companies should consider normalizing coverage for individuals over 70 and introducing attractive incentives tailored for the elderly. Increased awareness is essential to highlight the mental health benefits that family members experience when using professional caregivers, as opposed to relying on a regular maid for assistance. Training programs should be implemented in communities with larger elderly populations, focusing on best practices for caregiving at this special stage of life. Additionally, creating movements for pre-retirees to engage in early on is vital for mental preparation. These movements can provide resources, such as information on finding geriatric specialists to address age-related illnesses that may arise during the aging process. Furthermore, the development of assisted living communities would be a significant advantage, similar to those already established in the diaspora. Living among like-minded individuals not only promotes a sense of belonging but also contributes to a more positive outlook on aging, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for seniors
- In your experience, what structural factors or design recommendations contribute to making the best senior living choices for retirees? Specifically, what considerations are important for independent seniors, those needing memory care, and seniors requiring assisted living support?
Designing effective senior living facilities for retirees, especially those with memory care needs in Uganda, involves key structural factors and design recommendations:
- Structural Factors:
– Safety and Security: Implement secure environments and non-slip flooring to prevent wandering and falls.
– Accessibility: Ensure barrier-free designs with ramps and handrails for residents with physical limitations.
– Open Layout: Use straightforward floor plans and centralized areas to reduce confusion and encourage social interaction.
– Natural Light and Ventilation: Utilize large windows and skylights for better mood, with good airflow for comfort.
– Associations should be also formed around senior living that helps in implementation of proper systems for monitoring and evaluation. This in the long run helps newer structures to always have the best state of art new technology on the market.
- Design Recommendations:
– Color and Contrast: Employ contrasting colors for identification and clear signage for navigation.
– Familiar Spaces: Create homelike interiors and memory stations to stimulate cognitive recall.
– Outdoor Spaces: Provide gardens and walking paths for mood enhancement and social engagement.
– Activity Areas: Design engagement spaces with multi-sensory experiences for cognitive stimulation.
– Health and Wellness Facilities: Include on-site medical and adaptable fitness areas.
– Community and Socialization: Develop communal dining and multipurpose rooms for social interaction.
- Cultural Considerations:
– Incorporate local architecture and community involvement to ensure cultural relevance and meet residents’ needs.
These considerations aim to enhance safety, accessibility, cognitive engagement, health, and cultural relevance, improving the quality of life for seniors in these facilities