In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, comfort in the familiar seemingly vanished. While many people found themselves sheltering in place and needing to make adjustments to their work life and social life, seniors living with dementia were significantly impacted by the coronavirus. Not only were social interactions limited, but their everyday routines were disrupted.
What Puts Dementia Patients at Risk?
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, it is most likely that dementia does not increase risk for COVID-19, just as dementia does not increase risk for the flu. However, what does make this particular part of the population more susceptible to illness can be linked to certain routines, advanced age and common health conditions that often accompany dementia.
Individuals living with Alzheimer's and other dementia may let slip the important act of washing their hands. They may forget to take recommended precautions such as social distancing and masking up to prevent illness. It’s also worth noting that diseases like COVID-19 and the flu may worsen cognitive impairment in dementia patients.
Depending on where your loved one currently resides, having them isolate from infection may not be possible since they rely on other individuals to perform tasks of daily living such as eating, bathing and dressing. Moreover, seniors with dementia who fall ill can’t express their symptoms, and early coronavirus markers may look similar to their other pre-existing conditions.
Isolation Strategy and Its Effects
Put simply — the attempt to thwart the spread of coronavirus via quarantine separated dementia patients from their loved ones. That kind of disruption to their everyday routines can be confusing and devastating.
More recently, doctors have reported an increase in falls, pulmonary infections, depression and sudden frailty in patients who had been stable for years. And it’s easy to understand why — key tools that slow the progression of dementia include social and mental stimulation.
How Specialized In-Home Care Can Help
In a time when isolation is very real issue seniors are facing, our Home Care Aides can serve as companions and support your loved one’s emotional well-being. Together, they can tell stories, play games and reminisce about old photos. Having this type of social stimulation in a familiar environment offers a great deal of stability and comfort.
Furthermore, Home Care Aides can help establish routines, communicate actions necessary to take during the pandemic, perform other tasks like running errands and light housekeeping.
In-home dementia care can evolve based on your loved one’s needs. The added flexibility can be a significant advantage when dealing with progressive diseases.
The Presidio Home Care Difference
Our Home Care Aides are trained in dementia care, which means the type of care Presidio provides is specially tailored to seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.
They are compassionate communicators who are familiar with the stages of the disease, how it manifests, and know how to manage common problematic behaviors and dementia-related safety issues.
By working with Presidio, you can have peace of mind knowing we’ll work closely with you to develop a care plan that focuses on your loved one’s likes and dislikes, personality and finding meaningful activities to enrich their lives.
Now more than ever, a little support goes a long way. Let Presidio Home Care help.
Call us today at 800-567-1147.
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