A dementia diagnosis can feel overwhelming.

Because dementia is a degenerative condition with no cure, it is easy to see the diagnosis as the beginning of the end (almost like a “death sentence”). Families may begin to imagine that their loved one will quickly lose everything that makes them who they are.

But dementia isn't the end of the story.

Growing older is part of life... and can be fun! If you think about it, we start to grow old the moment we take our first breath – it’s just a part of life. Aging however has no bearing on our ability to thrive and thriving means to feel like yourself, feeling connected, living with purpose, and still finding moments of joy and meaning in everyday life.

Many South African families don't realise that some professional home care costs may qualify for tax relief through SARS under the Medical Expenses Tax Credit.

In many cases, the person claiming the tax benefit does not have to be the person receiving care. A spouse, adult child, or another family member who pays for the care may be able to claim the qualifying expense, depending on their circumstances.

For qualifying disability-related claims, families may recover up to one-third of eligible care costs through their tax assessment.