According to an online news article, a Facebook support group has been launched by the Livewell Villages (i.e., a private dementia care facility in Cape Town and Johannesburg – see https://www.iol.co.za/lifestyle/health/online-dementia-support-group-launched-16682452), and is reportedly well received by the limited number of participants that are able to access it. This platform is used as a safe space for persons living with dementia as well as family members and carers to come to terms with the diagnosis, as well as manage the effects of dementia (IOL, 2018). GPS tracking technologies are available in the county and are purchased as subscription costs to track the movements of children, vulnerable adults, and belongings. Although these platforms are available in South Africa, it is unclear to what extent social media and technologies are used to provide support in the role of caring for persons living with dementia in South Africa as this data is not publicly available.

References:

IOL. (2018). Online dementia support group launched. IOL Health and Wellness. Available from: https://www.iol.co.za/lifestyle/health/online-dementia-support-group-launched-16682452