Tuesday, 14 April 2020

Dementia caregiving tips in the wake of Covid-19

Providing round the clock live-in care to seniors with dementia can prove challenging at the best of times. This has only been worsened with the outbreak of Coronavirus (Covid-19) and the many changes that it has forced onto our country and its people. After all, can you imagine waking up one morning only to be told that you cannot leave your home because there is a global pandemic taking place? Or seeing people all around you wearing masks and gloves and not understanding why?

There is no doubt that the pandemic and the lockdown will leave many seniors who have been diagnosed with dementia feeling panicked and confused.

Furthermore, with the elderly at the greatest risk of falling severely ill, there will be additional caregiving strategies that will need to be put in place to protect them.

Here are some tips regarding both scenarios.

Explain, but not in detail

If the senior in question is still in the mild stages of dementia, you can gently explain to them that the reason why there has been a change in their daily routine is because there is a virus out there that is stronger than the 'flu and that we all have to work very hard to avoid it. If the elderly person is in the moderate or severe stages, don’t go into detail. Simply explain that there has been a 'flu outbreak and that it’s safer to spend more time indoors.

Be sure to avoid any news on the television or radio in order to steer clear of eliciting anxiety of triggering negative behaviours in the senior.

Maximise hygiene and avoid leaving the house

As a live-in caregiver or relative, it is imperative that you put all of the WHO, CDC, and government preventative strategies into practice when caring for an elderly person. Wash your hands, and their hands, as frequently as possible with soap and water. During and after the national lockdown, it is also recommended to steer clear of leaving the house at all unless you absolutely have no choice. Order groceries online and ask pharmacies to deliver any chronic medication as required.

Seek out support

The limited freedom of movement can take its toll on one's mood and physical wellbeing, especially when providing care to an individual with dementia. That is why it’s a good idea to seek out support during this time. Reach out to friends and relatives via Skype and social media and join a few virtual support groups for caregivers just like yourself. It can make the world of difference to find that you are not alone.

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