In Home Memory Care During Covid-19 Can Be A Challenge
Trinity Life, Your Alpharetta In Home Memory Care Team Is Here To Help
While the Alzheimer’s Association reassured the public that dementia doesn’t necessarily increase the elderly’s risk of contracting the deadly COVID-19 illness, their condition and behavior could make them especially vulnerable to the disease. People with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia may have difficulties remembering the necessary precautions they need to take to prevent the spread of the disease. Trinity Life, your in home memory care team for Alpharetta has some tips to stay safe and manage your loved one’s anxiety during these trying times.
Consider these tips from a reputable in home memory care provider in Alpharetta.
Discuss the situation.
Changes in normal routines can be upsetting so talk about the pandemic in a way that your loved one can understand. Don’t try to over-explain the situation and stay calm to avoid causing undue stress and anxiety.
Make safe hygiene a routine.
Dementia caregivers should focus on helping their elderly loved ones maintain safe hygienic practices at home. Proper hand washing plays a significant role in controlling the spread of the disease so encourage them to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds on a regular basis and/or after touching surfaces.
You may also consider placing signs in the bathroom or by the kitchen sink reminding them to wash their hands and keep a moisturizer with at least 60% alcohol on hand (frequent hand washing can dry out skin).
Additionally, make an effort to keep their hands off their face. Keep them busy by providing activities that make use of their hands since SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, primarily enters the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Maintain healthy living.
Older people, especially those who are immune-compromised and those with underlying conditions, are at a higher risk of getting infected with COVID-19 so make sure they eat healthy foods, exercise, get enough rest, and limit their exposure to other people. You may also consider asking your health care provider about Telehealth sessions for medical and emotional support and make sure prescriptions are filled.
Watch out for signs of depression.
People with Alzheimer’s don’t cope well with changes in their routine so watch out for signs of depression. Report any incidence of increased confusion to your health care provider to avoid any serious complications.
If you’re taking care of an elderly relative with Alzheimer’s or dementia at home, you should also pay attention to your health and stress level. Keep in mind that while they may not understand the full extent of what’s going on around them, they can surely feel that something is amiss.
Keep them connected.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced nursing homes and in home memory care facilities in Alpharetta and other parts of the country to temporarily restrict visiting hours to family members. This can be extremely distressing for the residents and their families but there are several ways to keep in touch. Here are some ideas that you may want to consider.
- Ask the facility how you can stay in touch. Most in home memory care facilities in Alpharetta allow relatives to check in via emails, phone calls, and video chats. If you’re living with them, you can also use these technologies to keep in touch with other family members, friends, and relatives who can’t visit due to the current situation.
- Get creative many relatives are finding new ways to visit such as standing outside their loved one’s window so they can still see each other during these difficult times. Be sure to check with your loved one’s caregivers or facility to assure this is okay.
- If your family member can’t engage in phone calls or video chats, ask your loved one’s care giver to be your point of contact.
Find Comfort With Trinity Life at Home, Your Alpharetta In Home Memory Care Team
Trinity Life at Home is an in home memory care provider serving Alpharetta and the greater Atlanta area. We understand your concerns during this time of the pandemic but let us assure you that our caregivers are trained to address our patients’ needs according to the CDC guidelines.
To learn more about how we can help you, contact us by giving us a call at 678-731-0831 or by filling out the contact form on our website.
