Protecting Loved Ones Living with Dementia During COVID-19

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Families can already face heartbreaking challenges caring for loved ones with dementia, but the COVID-19 pandemic can make it even harder. One of the major questions facing caregivers is how they can best protect their loved ones from the virus.

First Steps

The basic step is to follow the experts’ guidelines on social distancing. Eliminate or minimize visits from anyone outside the household. Allowing unnecessary visitors into the home magnifies the chances of COVID-19 infection. Above all else, before anyone enters the home, make sure their temperature has been checked. If the person has a temperature over 100.4° F, they cannot be allowed inside under any circumstances.

Also, minimize trips outside the home as much as possible. Ask the loved one’s doctor to provide 90-day prescriptions for medications to reduce the need for trips to the pharmacy or use mail-order options.

Hygiene

There is no doubt that the one of the main concerns for anyone during this time is practicing regular hygiene. Unfortunately, it is hard for loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia to remember to wash their hands. Family caregivers can take steps to help them continue to practice the hygiene necessary to protect them:

  • Set up a schedule to encourage the person to wash their hands regularly.
  • Place written reminders above sinks about needing to use soap and to wash hands for at least 20 seconds
  • Provide extra verbal reminders on a daily basis to wash their hands.
  • If needed, guide them thorough hand-washing.
  • If the loved one cannot easily wash their hands or access a sink, an easier alternative is the use of hand sanitizer, which must be based on at least 60% alcohol.

Keeping the Peace

Sheltering in place is not always easy on anyone. It can be a stressful time as families cope with enforced stays at home. Tempers can flare as frustrations grow. This environment can make coping with the sometimes-combative behavior of loved ones living with dementia especially hard.

It is particularly important for caregivers to try to be compassionate and understanding of their loved ones when confronted with mood swings, confused behavior or lapses in memory. Keep them surrounded with familiar things and on a familiar schedule. Do not confront them about forgetfulness or behavior or try to confine them. This can lead to unhealthy anger and damaging outbursts that can be harmful to both family members and themselves. Be especially patient when reminding loved ones about practicing hygiene, as attempting to force them or push them into it will cause unnecessary stress.

Home Safety

As individuals living with dementia lose awareness of their surroundings and become confused, they can face many different hazards in the home. Caregivers need to pay special attention to danger-proofing the home’s physical environment in order to minimize hazards.

There some are some basic safety predications to keep in mind:

  • Never leave the loved one alone for any length of time.  
  • Install motion sensors that alert the household when a door has been opened.
  • Keep sharp objects in a safe place and out of cabinets and drawers.
  • Find a safe place to keep car keys. Do not allow the loved one access to any vehicles.
  • Remember to keep the loved one away from sources of fire or heat such as gas fireplaces and stovetops.

Have a Plan B

Ultimately, caregivers must plan for what happens if they become sick themselves or the act of providing care becomes too much for them. The issue needs to be discussed with extended family, so alternative caregivers and options can be identified. This can include carefully-vetted home care providers, if proper safety precautions are enforced. 

No one can be expected to carry the responsibility of caregiving by themselves at all times. Caregivers have to be able to care for themselves as well. Having alternative caregivers in place is vital to avoiding burnout, depression or even physical health issues.

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be tough, but it’s also rewarding. Although current circumstances are challenging and can seem overwhelming, with planning, perspective and commonsense steps, it’s a challenge that can be overcome.

Rebecca Rushing, BSN, RN, is director of Client Care Services for FirstLight Home Care. Nurse Beckie is a certified dementia practitioner, an Ageless Grace brain health educator and a Positive Approach® to Care Independent Trainer. Beckie has more than 30 years of nursing experience and a passion for the well-being of older adults.