Mental health service users in the public sector are assessed using neurophysiological tests (see Vally, 2010, p.393). The following are largely provided by the private sector, NGOs and FBO’s which provide services to persons living with dementia and their families: non-pharmacological approaches include identifying environmental triggers for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and empowering carers to manage these symptoms. Organisations such as ASA and Dementia-SA assist caregivers, providing support and training on how to care for a person living with dementia, monitoring their well-being, and link to support services (e.g. respite care, home-based care, support groups and counselling, and legal advice) (Emsley et al., 2013). Community-based services refer families where necessary to family physicians, specialists (i.e., private sector) for pharmacological approaches to manage BPSD as State facilities continue to be challenged by (1) serious shortages of essential list medications, (2) lack of understanding of dementia as a disease (and not a natural part of aging), and (3) lack of human resources to manage cases and monitor pharmacological treatments, effects, and dosages.

References:

Emsley, R., Seedat, S., & Van Staden, W. (2013). South African Journal of Psychiatry PART 2. The South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) Treatment Guidelines for Psychiatric Disorders Head of Publishing. South African Journal of Family Practice, 19(No. 3), 196. https://doi.org/DOI:10.7196/SAJP.474

Vally, Z. (2010). The assessment and management of dementia. South African Family Practice, 52(5), 392–395. https://doi.org/10.1080/20786204.2010.10874014