Managing Dementia Care During COVID-19

The current coronavirus will undoubtedly create challenges in everyone’s daily lives, especially those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Preventing illness will be an essential part of care during the pandemic. This will require following introduced guidelines and restrictions. Whether it is washing hands for 20 seconds at a time or social distancing, taking precautions is imperative. Making sure guidelines are followed becomes more challenging when you as a home care aide can’t always monitor recipients of care 24/7.

The Increased Risk with Dementia

Because of difficulty with memory, there may be an increased risk for dementia patients during the pandemic. This is because they may go out into the public, touch their faces, and not maintain social distancing. If one can’t remember to follow guidelines then they will constantly be exposing themselves to risks. This is why it is vital that home care aides take necessary precautions to make sure they have set care plans in order to mitigate risks.

Taking Precautions

Because in-home caregivers can’t be with their dementia patients 24/7, providing family members and friends of the care recipient with some care guidelines can be useful. This includes updating family and friends on the current situation for your recipient of care. This can include relaying information on who they may have to come into contact with or if they have to have any upcoming hospital visits.

When family and friends are aware of daily care and plans, they can also monitor and be an extra set of eyes and ears.

Fundamentals of Care

Beyond adapting to the necessary guidelines during this time, it’s necessary to remember the basics in care for people with dementia. Maintaining daily living standards is vital. This includes monitoring and making sure the recipients of care are provided with the level of care they were receiving before the pandemic.

This includes mental stimulation, monitoring eating and drinking, and reducing loneliness and anxiety. It can be easy to only focus on the tasks at hand and keeping your recipient of care safe. But each individual you care for deserves the best quality care you can provide.

Also remember that another part of necessary fundamental of care is asking for help when you need it. This includes looking to virtual support groups or asking family members (of the care recipient) and other community members to keep an eye on your recipient of care when you aren’t there.

Homecare Powered by AUAF

At Homecare Powered by AUAF we provide care to a variety of different seniors. This includes seniors with dementia. We provide training on proper protocol to follow during the coronavirus pandemic. This prepares our caregivers to continue to provide necessary care.

Conclusion

Home care is no easy task. The current pandemic presents further challenges for home care aides that provide care for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Whether you are a family caregiver or otherwise, you have a stake in the overall quality of life for your care recipient. Because of that, it’s important to follow guidelines but also maintain daily living standards for yourself and your care recipient. Older adults with dementia are more vulnerable during this pandemic. As a caregiver you can make a fundamental difference in the way that your recipient of care lives and thrives.

If you have any questions for us give us a call at 773.274.9262