Are you taking care of a loved one with dementia? It is hard enough during normal times and the pandemic may leave you more anxious and confused. The global health crisis may be leaving you overworked and stressed. Mostly, dementia does not increase the risk of COVID-19. However, dementia-related behaviour, the increased age and other health conditions can leave you more concerned and worried. Like people with dementia may forget to wash their hands frequently or thoroughly or may not take other required precautions.
If you are taking care of a family member with dementia at home, here are specific tips that can reduce your stress and help you sail through these challenging times.
- To Explain the Virus or Not? Are you pondering whether to discuss about COVID-19 pandemic with your elderly with dementia? Your concern is genuine. However, it will be difficult for someone with a memory loss problem to understand and remember the precautions. It might also trigger panic or leave them worried. So, it is ideal to avoid telling them about coronavirus and its implications. But if they are in the initial stages of dementia, you can briefly tell them about it, or if they end up hearing this news from other sources, it is better to explain and eliminate any further scope of panic.
- Follow the Routine: Any change in routine can be unsettling for a person with dementia. Even during these pandemic times, try to follow the normal routine like the regular meal and bedtime, and schedule for the other activities. Gradually, however, try to introduce the habit of frequently washing the hands or provide them hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol. You can demonstrate hand washing and consider adding signs in the bathroom to remind them to wash their hands with soap.
- Stock Up on Medications: As you are taking care of your elderly with dementia, it is necessary for you to stay home and stay safe too. It will help if you request the pharmacist to provide you with the medication supply for a greater number of days. It will reduce your trips to the pharmacy, and you will not get stressed over the medicine stock of your elderly.
- Engage with Games & Chores: It is advisable to stay at home during these pandemic times. If possible, you can discuss it with the doctor and plan online consultations. It will also help if you avoid taking them out for a stroll. Instead, try to engage the elderly in some household chores and play some brain-stimulating games with them. You can also try for cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) sessions to help the elderly with dementia.
- Is the Plan B Ready? During these times, it is a must to have an alternative plan in place in case you fall sick. You should discuss your concerns with your family members and know who can come and offer support in an emergency. If you are the only one managing and need assistance, then Samvedna Care is only a call away.
Samvedna Care, offering senior care in Delhi, specialises in dementia care. Whether you need daily assistance from a professional, emergency support or online therapy sessions, you can call us, and we will be happy to assist.
At Samvedna, we have specialised teams focusing on different dementia care dimensions like cognitive assessments, home care programs, and group programs. There is also a unique program covering caregiver training on dementia. All kinds of evaluations like memory screening, neuropsychological assessments and neuropsychologist review is possible online. You can pre-book a session and we can conduct it online. As for home care programs, you can benefit from social well-being services, CST, respite care services, family awareness programs, caregiver enablement, and long-term care. To avail of these services, you can contact us or request a call back from the website. These are challenging times; however, you are not alone; team Samvedna is only a call away. Contact us and let’s help you in every manner possible.
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