Dementia Day Care Centre
Not Just Ageing: Recognising the Signs of Dementia
Frequent memory loss that disrupts daily life. Repeating the same questions or conversations. Difficulty managing routine tasks like handling money, cooking, or remembering appointments. Confusion about time, place, or familiar people. Changes in behaviour, mood, or personality.
These are not always a part of normal ageing. They can be early signs of dementia, a progressive condition that affects memory, thinking, and daily functioning.
A Growing Concern
Dementia is rapidly emerging as a major public health challenge in India. A 2023 national ageing study estimates that over 8.8 million Indians aged 60 and above are currently living with dementia, close to 8 percent of the elderly population.
EDITOR NOTE: This is the figure I verified against published research, a nationwide LASI based study in the Alzheimer’s & Dementia journal, 2023. It is better sourced than the “5 million, rising to 14 million by 2050” figure currently on the live homepage and Dementia page. I recommend replacing that older figure everywhere on the site with this one, for consistency.
With India’s ageing population growing rapidly, this number is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades. Despite this growing burden, awareness remains limited. Dementia is often misunderstood as a part of normal ageing, leading to delayed diagnosis and a lack of structured care, resulting in increased distress not only for elders but also for caregivers managing the condition with little support.
Our Intervention
Dignity Foundation’s Dementia Day Care Centres provide specialised dementia and Alzheimer’s care in a safe, structured, and supportive environment. Our approach focuses on reducing confusion, slowing cognitive decline, and improving overall wellbeing through:
- Cognitive stimulation activities that engage memory and thinking
- Therapeutic interventions tailored to individual needs
- Structured daily routines that create familiarity and reduce anxiety
- Trained caregivers who provide patient, compassionate care
- Safe and secure spaces designed for comfort and dignity
Alongside elder care, we offer caregiver support and respite, helping families manage the emotional and physical demands of dementia and Alzheimer’s care.
Case Story: Santosh Anand Ji
When Santosh Anand Ji was diagnosed with dementia, she went silent and stopped talking, sleeping all day and avoiding even her own family. In her youth, she had captained a hockey team and loved socialising. Playing cards was her favourite pastime.
Her family felt helpless watching her decline, until they visited Dignity Foundation’s Dementia Day Care Centre. Our team conducted an MMSE test (a standard cognitive screening used to assess memory and thinking), spoke with her family, and built a personalised activity timetable. Within 20 days, her daughter Radhika noticed a real change.
Today, Santosh Ji interacts with her family again, active, talkative, sharing recipes, and taking part in activities at the centre. Her story is a reminder of what compassionate, tailored care can do.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between normal ageing and dementia?
Occasional forgetfulness is common with age. Dementia is different. It involves memory loss severe enough to disrupt daily life, along with confusion, mood changes, or difficulty with familiar tasks, and tends to get worse over time without support.
Is Alzheimer's the same as dementia?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, but dementia is a broader term covering several conditions that affect memory and thinking. Our centres support people with Alzheimer’s as well as other forms of dementia.
How do I know if my parent needs a dementia day care centre?
If your parent shows ongoing memory loss, confusion about time or place, difficulty managing routine tasks, or personality changes, it is worth having them assessed. Our team can guide you through this. Reach out for an informal conversation before deciding anything.
What does a typical day look like at the centre?
Members follow a structured routine of cognitive activities and therapies, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and yoga, along with meals and social time. These activities are designed to create familiarity and reduce anxiety.
Do you offer support for caregivers, not just patients?
Yes. Alongside day care for your loved one, we offer guidance and respite support for family caregivers, who often carry significant emotional and physical strain.
Reach Out to Us
If your loved one is experiencing memory loss or has been diagnosed with dementia, early support can make a meaningful difference. Dignity Foundation is here to walk this journey with you.