FROM THE DESK OF THE HEALTHCARE MANAGER
Dear Residents, Families, and Friends,
As we step into a new year, we extend our warmest wishes to our Clé du Cap community. Our team remains dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and caring environment, and we are grateful to continue this journey alongside our residents and their loved ones.
We are also pleased to welcome our new Occupational Therapist, Tatum Truter to the team. Both are valuable additions to our care services, and we look forward to the positive impact they will bring to our residents and community.
The start of the year provides an opportunity to reflect and refocus on our shared goals. During the first quarter, our key priorities remain centred on maintaining high standards of resident-centred care, strengthening collaboration across our interdisciplinary team, supporting staff development, and enhancing communication with residents and families.
NEWS FROM OUR DOCTORS
In caring for older adults, we are often reminded that illness does not always present in obvious or dramatic ways. Often the earliest sign that something is wrong is a small change like a resident who is “not quite themselves“.
One of the most important and most misunderstood conditions in frail care is delirium. Delirium is a sudden change in brain function that causes confusion, disorientation, changes in attention, and altered behaviour. It often develops over a few hours or several days. It can be frightening for residents, distressing for families, and challenging for staff, yet it is also one of the most treatable causes of sudden decline in older adults if recognised early.
Dementia is a chronic, slowly progressive condition affecting memory, reasoning, and daily functioning, but it is not the same as delirium. While dementia typically develops over months to years, delirium is acute and is
As we move into the autumn season, we will continue to focus on resident wellness through seasonal health monitoring and engagement activities.
Thank you for your continued trust and support. We look forward to working together to make 2026 a positive and fulfilling year for our Clé Du Cap community.
Leanne Dixon Healthcare Manager hcmanagersouth@faircapehealth.co.za
often classed as a medical emergency because it usually signals that something has gone wrong in the body and needs attention.
It is also important to know that delirium can occur in people who have dementia, as well as those who don’t. In fact, dementia is one of the strongest risk factors for delirium, as it results in a fragile brain that is at risk of deterioration.
Delirium does not always look like agitation
Many people associate delirium with someone who is restless, aggressive, or hallucinating. This is known as hyperactive delirium, and it is the form most people notice. However, there is another form called hypoactive delirium. This is often missed because it looks like quietness, sleepiness, withdrawal, or just being tired. A resident may become unusually drowsy, less interactive, less interested in meals, or simply not themselves. This form is just as
serious and sometimes more dangerous because it is easier to overlook.
Delirium is common in frail older adults
Delirium is particularly common after hospital admissions, surgery, infections, dehydration, or medication changes. It can also occur during periods of pain, constipation, poor sleep, or emotional stress. In many cases, delirium has more than one cause, which is why it requires careful assessment rather than assumptions.
Common triggers for delirium include urinary tract infections or pneumonia; dehydration or poor oral intake, constipation or urinary retention, and pain that is undertreated or poorly controlled.
Some side effects from medication can also be a trigger, especially sedatives, sleeping tablets, strong pain medication, or anticholinergic drugs. Electrolyte abnormalities or kidney impairment and poor sleep, sensory deprivation, or sudden environmental change, like moving rooms or returning from hospital, can also be triggers.
Is it permanent?
This is an understandable fear. Delirium can feel like a sudden loss of the person you know, as it may cause memory lapses, paranoia, tearfulness, irritability, or frightening hallucinations. It can come and go throughout the day, often worsening in the evening, a phenomenon known as sundowning.
The reassuring news is that delirium is often reversible, but recovery can take time. In frail individuals, the brain may take days or weeks to settle, even after the trigger is treated. In some cases, delirium can unmask an underlying dementia that was previously mild or unnoticed.
What can families do to help?
Families are often one of the most powerful tools in delirium care. Familiar voices, calm reassurance, and gentle orientation can make a significant difference.
Helpful actions include speaking slowly and calmly and reminding your loved one of the date, time, and where they are. Always ensure that they have their glasses and hearing aids on and bring familiar items such as photographs or a favourite blanket.
Encourage hydration and meals if appropriate, and help maintain a normal sleep-wake routine. Avoid arguments if the person is confused or convinced of something untrue.
It is important to understand that delirium is not a character change, nor is it stubbornness or intentional behaviour. It is a sign that the brain is under stress.
How do we treat delirium?
The most effective treatment is identifying and correcting the underlying cause. This may involve treating an infection, correcting dehydration, relieving constipation, improving pain control, adjusting medication, or addressing sleep disruption.
Medication is not the first-line treatment for delirium. Sedating a delirious person can sometimes worsen confusion, increase the risk of falls, and prolong recovery. In rare cases where someone is severely distressed or unsafe, medication may be used carefully and temporarily, but the primary approach remains supportive and medical.
Why this matters in frail care
Delirium is associated with an increased risk of falls, pressure injuries, hospital transfers, and long-term functional decline. Recognising delirium early can prevent unnecessary suffering and improve recovery outcomes. In many ways, delirium is one of the clearest examples that frail care works best through teamwork, observation, prevention, and calm communication.
When should you raise a concern?
Please alert the nursing team if you notice any sudden change, like new confusion or disorientation, unusual sleepiness or withdrawal, new agitation, restlessness, or hallucinations, or a sudden decline in mobility or eating. A dramatic change in mood or personality is also a sign of delirium.
Even if it turns out to be something minor, early recognition is always safer. In frail care, the goal is not only to treat illness but to protect dignity, function, and quality of life. Understanding delirium empowers families and residents to respond early, and it helps us provide safer and more compassionate care.
Dr Nicci Snyders Family Physician
TokaiDoctor1@faircapemedical.co.za
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY AT CLÉ DU CAP
MEET OUR NEW OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST TATUM TRUTER
Hello everyone,
My name is Tatum Truter, and I am delighted to introduce myself as the new occupational therapist at Faircape Health Clé Du Cap. I was born in Cape Town and spent much of my childhood growing up in Botswana. I later returned to South Africa to complete my studies at the University of the Western Cape, where my passion for occupational therapy and working with older adults truly took shape.
Enhancing quality of life for the elderly is a cornerstone of what matters most to me. I genuinely enjoy connecting with people, and building meaningful relationships is at the heart of who I am, especially when working with the elderly. I have a strong passion for spending quality time with older adults, listening to their stories, and sharing moments of laughter and connection.
My interests include health and fitness, as well as arts and crafts, both of which strongly influence my therapeutic approach. I believe that movement, creativity, and purposeful activity play a vital role in maintaining physical function, emotional well-being, and a sense of identity at every stage of life. These interests allow me to bring energy and enjoyment into therapy sessions, whether through gentle exercise, creative groups, or meaningful daily activities.
I feel especially aligned with geriatrics, as this field beautifully combines compassion, patience, and clinical reasoning with human connection. Supporting older adults to maintain independence, dignity, and confidence, even when facing physical or cognitive challenges, is incredibly meaningful to me. I believe that small, intentional interventions can make a meaningful difference in how
someone experiences their day, their environment, and themselves.
At Faircape Health Clé Du Cap, I hope to contribute by creating purposeful, engaging, and person-centred occupational therapy interventions. My goal is to support residents in participating as fully as possible in daily life, whether that means improving mobility and safety, adapting activities to changing abilities, encouraging social connection, or creating moments of joy and achievement. I am particularly passionate about group activities, meaningful routines, and experiences that help residents feel connected, valued, and at home.
I am excited to grow within the Faircape community and to collaborate closely with the interdisciplinary team, residents, and families. It is truly a privilege to be part of a setting that values holistic care and meaningful moments.
I look forward to getting to know each resident and family, sharing many conversations and smiles, and working together to support a life filled with purpose, comfort, and connection.
Tatum Truter Occupational Therapist
cleducapot@faircapehealth.co.za
THE JOY FOUND IN SIMPLE MOMENTS
In long-term care, it is often the small, everyday experiences that carry the greatest meaning. For our geriatric residents, an outing does not need to be elaborate or far from home to be deeply joyful. Sometimes, it is as simple as a cup of coffee shared, a slice of cake enjoyed, or a gentle walk along a familiar path.
These moments offer a pleasant change of scenery and a sense of normal life continuing. Leaving your usual surroundings, feeling the sun on your face, hearing everyday sounds, and engaging with the world beyond the healthcare setting helps residents remain connected to the present moment and to their surroundings.
Enjoying a warm cup of coffee or a favourite treat often sparks conversation, laughter, and memories. These familiar routines are comforting and grounding, reminding residents of who they are beyond their diagnosis or care needs. For many, these simple pleasures restore a sense of choice, autonomy, and dignity, which are all essential elements of emotional well-being.
A short walk along a path, no matter how slow, encourages movement, balance, and confidence. More importantly, it allows residents to experience nature, notice the changing seasons, and feel part of the world around them. These sensory experiences can be calming, uplifting, and reassuring, particularly for those who spend much of their time indoors.
Although our residents live within a healthcare facility, outings like these gently blur the line between care and living. They remind us that life does not stop within these walls but simply continues in a different way. Moments of enjoyment, connection, and presence help residents stay grounded in the here and now, supporting both mental and emotional health.
As healthcare professionals, we value these experiences because they nurture the whole person, not just their physical needs. And as a community, we are grateful to everyone who supports and encourages these outings, whether by accompanying a resident, sharing a conversation, or simply taking the time to slow down and be present.
In the end, it is the simple things that often bring the greatest joy, and it is in these moments that life feels most alive.
WHY YOUR ASSISTIVE DEVICE IS YOUR BEST WALKING PARTNER
As an occupational therapist, one of the most common things I hear from patients is that they only need to use their walker when they really need it, or they will just go without it this once. I understand that assistive devices can sometimes feel inconvenient, bulky, or like a sign that we’re not as strong as we used to be, but the truth is your assistive device is not a sign of weakness. It’s a tool for independence, safety, and confidence.
What is an assistive device really for?
Whether it’s a walking stick, walker, rollator, or frame, your mobility aid is designed to improve balance and stability, reduce the risk of falls, take pressure off painful joints, and help you walk further with less fatigue.
Using your device allows your body to move more safely and efficiently, especially on uneven surfaces, steps, slopes, or when you’re feeling tired. Many falls happen when people feel mostly fine, just a bit rushed, distracted, or confident. It only takes one uneven paving stone, a missed step or a moment of dizziness or weakness. Your assistive device acts like an extra point of support before something goes wrong, rather than after.
Independence comes from prevention
Ironically, avoiding your device can increase the risk of injury, which may lead to pain, reduced mobility, loss of confidence,
ALL THINGS NURSING
and temporary or permanent loss of independence. Using your device helps you stay active, social, and independent for longer, doing the things you enjoy without fear. Residents who use their devices consistently often report feeling more confident when walking, being able to go out more often, less anxiety about falling and greater freedom to move independently. Think of your device as a trusted companion that supports you quietly while you enjoy your day.
A gentle reminder
If your occupational therapist or healthcare team has recommended a mobility aid, it’s because they’ve assessed your balance, strength, safety needs and environment. Using it regularly, even for short distances, is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to protect yourself.
If your device feels uncomfortable, too heavy, or awkward to use, please don’t stop using it. Instead, come and talk to us. Small adjustments can make a big difference. Your safety matters, your independence matters, and your assistive device helps protect both.
Tatum Truter
Occupational Therapist
cleducapot@faircapehealth.co.za
The Nursing Recognition Programme: Celebrating our Nursing Team
As part of our Nursing Recognition Programme, we intentionally create monthly moments to allow our nursing teams to pause, breathe, and step away briefly from the demands of their clinical responsibilities.
In February, in celebration of Valentine’s Day, we took the opportunity to send heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to an exceptional and dedicated team of nurses. Their compassion, professionalism, resilience, and unwavering commitment to patient care do not go unnoticed. The kindness they extend to patients and families each day reflects the true spirit of nursing. With appreciation and respect, we say a sincere and heartfelt thank you. We are proud of you, we value you, and we celebrate you.
Sr Karin Louwrens Senior Nursing Services Manager groupnsm@faircapehealth.co.za
WHY CHRISTMAS MATTERS SO DEEPLY IN LONG-TERM CARE
Christmas time holds a special kind of magic, especially within a healthcare community where many residents now call this village their home. For our geriatric long-term residents, the festive season is not only about decorations and tradition but also about connection, belonging, and meaning.
Christmas offers a pause, a moment to reflect, to remember, and to feel held within a community. For many older adults, this time of year can stir powerful memories of past celebrations, family gatherings, and cherished traditions. Creating a warm, sensory-rich environment helps those memories surface gently and positively.
In 2025, we were deeply moved by the presence of family members, loved ones, and friends who joined us to celebrate. Your time, effort, and care did not go unnoticed. Simply showing up, sitting together, sharing a meal, and holding a hand made Christmas truly special for your loved one.
Soft classical music filled the space, creating a calm and comforting atmosphere. Music has a unique way of reaching people beyond words, especially for older adults. It soothes, grounds, and evokes emotion, allowing residents to feel relaxed, present, and emotionally connected. The gentle
melodies created a peaceful backdrop for conversation, reflection, and togetherness.
The shared Christmas meal was another highlight and a triumphant celebration of nourishment, tradition, and joy. Meals like these are never just about food but rather about ritual, familiarity, and dignity. Sitting together at a beautifully prepared table reinforces a sense of normalcy and belonging, reminding residents that they are valued and celebrated.
These moments matter more than we sometimes realise. For residents in long-term care, meaningful experiences like this can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation and promote emotional well-being, strengthen memory and orientation and foster a sense of safety and comfort.
As occupational therapists and healthcare professionals, we know that quality of life is built through meaningful moments, not only medical care. Christmas gives us the opportunity to slow down, to be present, and to honour the lives and stories of those we care for.
Thank you to every family member, volunteer, and staff member who helped create this special day. Your kindness, time, and compassion turned an ordinary day into a heartfelt celebration.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR BRAIN SHARP AT ANY AGE
At Faircape Health, we strive to promote lifelong cognitive well-being through holistic care. As the nursing team, we believe that healthy ageing is about supporting the whole person and not just managing an illness.
Brain health plays a vital role in independence, confidence, and quality of life, and research shows it can be nurtured at any age through simple, consistent habits. The encouraging news is that small everyday choices, supported by a caring environment, can help the brain remain active, adaptable and resilient throughout life.
Here are a few points to help achieve this:
1. Staying Curious: The Power of Mental Engagement
Curiosity keeps the mind engaged and the brain adaptable. The brain thrives when it is gently challenged. Learning new things helps strengthen neural connections and supports memory and problem-solving skills.
This doesn’t require formal study or complex tasks. Reading, engaging in conversation, trying a new activity or revisiting a favourite hobby all stimulate the brain.
2. Movement as Medicine for the Mind
When the body moves, the brain benefits. Physical movement is essential not only for physical strength but also for brain health. Regular activity improves blood flow to the brain and supports focus, memory, and emotional well-being.
Gentle, guided movement, such as walking, stretching, or balance exercises, can be highly effective when practised consistently. A supportive care environment encourages safe movement that respects individual ability and comfort.
3. Rest and Routine: Why Sleep Matters
Quality sleep plays a crucial role in memory, concentration, and emotional regulation. During sleep, the brain processes information and restores itself. Consistent routines and a calm, supportive environment help promote better sleep, an important part of holistic care and overall well being.
4. Connection and Community Connection supports not only emotional health but also cognitive strength. Social interaction is a powerful contributor to brain health. Meaningful connection stimulates multiple areas of the brain and supports emotional resilience.
At Faircape, community, shared experiences, and positive relationships form an essential part of caring for cognitive and emotional well being.
5. Nourishing the Brain Through Balanced Nutrition
The brain depends on good nutrition to function well. A balanced, varied diet supports mental clarity and longterm cognitive health. Rather than focusing on restriction, promote nourishment, enjoyment and balance and recognise that food supports both physical health and quality of life.
6. A Holistic Approach to Brain Health
Healthy ageing is about supporting the whole person, mind, body and spirit. Brain health is not shaped by one habit alone, but by the combination of movement, connection, purpose, rest and compassionate care.
Supporting cognitive well being means respecting individuality, promoting independence and creating environments where people can continue to thrive at any age.
Sr Karin Louwrens Senior Nursing Services Manager groupnsm@faircapehealth.co.za
NEWS FROM YOUR SOCIAL WORKERS
The Power of Routine in Dementia Care
In a world that can sometimes feel confusing or unpredictable, routine becomes a comfort, not just a schedule. For individuals living with dementia, consistent daily rhythms provide a sense of security, reduce anxiety, and support overall well-being.
Why Routine Matters
As dementia progresses, changes in memory and processing can make new or unexpected situations feel overwhelming. A predictable daily flow helps individuals know what to expect, even if they cannot clearly express it. The comfort of familiar faces, regular mealtimes, and consistent activity patterns can significantly reduce agitation and restlessness.
Routine also supports physical health. Regular sleep schedules, hydration, meals, and movement all contribute to improved mood and energy levels. When the body feels regulated, emotions often follow.
Structure with Flexibility
While routine is important, so is honouring individuality. No two people experience dementia in exactly the same way. Some prefer a slower start to the morning, while others are early risers. Some find peace in quiet activities, while others thrive in social engagement.
Paying attention to lifelong habits can make a meaningful difference. Was your loved one always an early coffee drinker? Did they enjoy reading the newspaper each afternoon or watching a favourite evening programme? Preserving familiar rituals helps maintain identity, autonomy, and dignity.
Daily Moments That Create Stability
Simple, repeated activities often bring the greatest comfort. These include morning greetings and consistent wake-up times, meals served at regular intervals, music played at a familiar time each day, scheduled walks or gentle exercise and evening wind-down routines with soft lighting and calming conversation. These patterns help anchor the day.
Even when short-term memory is affected, emotional memory often remains strong, and emotional memory responds beautifully to consistency.
Supporting a Loved One Through Routine
For carers and family members, establishing predictable rhythms can ease stress for everyone involved. Try introducing changes gradually, keeping the environment calm, and offering gentle reminders about what comes next in the day.
Visual cues such as calendars, clocks, labelled drawers, or written schedules can also help reinforce structure. Most importantly, approach each day with patience and flexibility. Some days will flow smoothly, while others may require adjustment.
Creating Calm in a Changing Journey
Dementia brings change, but routine provides a steady foundation. By creating consistent patterns while remaining responsive to individual needs, carers and family can foster a sense of safety, belonging, and comfort.
Routine is not about rigidity but more about creating stability where moments of joy, connection, and meaning can still flourish. Even small, familiar rituals can make a profound difference in helping someone feel grounded and supported along the way.
Sherae Swart Social Worker socialworker3@faircapehealth.co.za
DEMENTIA SUPPORT GROUP
For families with a loved one living with Dementia
Tokai | Clé du Cap
Enhance your understanding of Dementia and explore effective approaches to managing the challenges faced by both you and your loved ones.
These groups also offer meaningful connections with others who share similar experiences.
Dates for 2026
• Friday 20 February
• Friday 20 March
• Friday 17 April
• Friday 22 May
• Friday 19 June
• Friday 17July
• Friday 21 August
• Friday 18 September
• Friday 23 October
• Friday 20 November (Final Group)
Facilitated by
Alzita Van Der Merwe-De-Wet: Tokai Long Term Social Worker (socialworker4@faircapehealth.co.za) & Lauren van Eck: Group Occupational Therapist (groupotmanager@faircapehealth.co.za)
To join, email one of the facilitators who will confirm your attendance.