17/10/2025
Thereās a moment Iāll never forget.
I was phoned to take into our care someoneās loved one who had passed away in an Alzheimerās unit. As I wheeled my stretcher down the corridor, residents watched quietly from their wheelchairs. In that silence, I felt every pair of eyes following me ā eyes that knew, in their own way, that someone was leaving.
Out of respect, I gently asked the staff if the residents could be moved to their rooms, so that I could do what I was there for. A nursing staff member said, āDonāt worry, they donāt know whatās going on anyway. Just walk past them.ā
But standing there, I knew that wasnāt true. There was awareness. There was sadness. There was fear.
That moment changed me. It made me realise that while dementia may take memories, it does not take humanity.
It was also the beginning of my deep personal interest in Alzheimerās and dementia ā a journey that led me to visit De Hogeweyk in the Netherlands and ignited my passion to transform dementia care through multisensory experiences and compassionate engagement.
On 15 October 2025, I had the honour of being a guest speaker at the ADASA seminar, where I spoke on the topic: āSensory Integration Therapy Guidance: Dementiaā ā sharing insights on Awakening the Senses and the profound impact of sensory stimulation in dementia care.
It was a privilege to connect with others who share this passion and to continue advocating for a kind of care that sees beyond memory ā one that honours the person who still is.
Here are a few photos from that special day šæ a reminder that every conversation about dementia care is a step toward restoring dignity, meaning, and connection.
Sonja Smith ā MD Sonja Smith Funeral Group
