Dementia Care Professionals Given Preventative Methods for COVID-19

As the country faces an unprecedented outbreak, individuals with underlying health conditions are not the only ones who have an increased risk for COVID-19. Those with intellectual disabilities and others with progressive diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, are also vulnerable to the deadly virus.

Although dementia does not necessarily increase the risk of getting coronavirus, certain behaviors and symptoms related to having dementia may make someone at-risk.

In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Alzheimer’s Association has released several tips for providing long-term and community-based care to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and all other dementia to help prevent the spread of the illness.

How In-Home Dementia Caregivers Can Help

For someone with dementia, he or she may forget to wash his or her hands or take other recommended precautions during this outbreak. Increased confusion makes it difficult for those living with dementia to also take care of themselves properly. This is why caregivers providing in-home services to those with dementia should remind them to practice safe hygienic practices.

This includes placing reminders in the bathroom, kitchen and other areas of the home to remind a person with dementia to wash his or her hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, showing how to properly wash your hands, and having hand sanitizer that is no less than 60 percent alcohol.

Planning ahead and devising alternative plans could help those with dementia stay safe. For instance, ask the pharmacist or doctor about filing multiple prescriptions at once to limit unnecessary trips outside and in case you become sick, have someone already in place for continued care management.

How Caregivers Can Help Those in Assisted Living

The CDC has provided guidance on preparing for COVID-19 in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Caregivers must follow their facilities procedures for managing the outbreak and familiarize themselves with emergency contacts in place. To keep residents with dementia safe, all visitation needs to be restricted with the exception for certain compassionate care cases, such as end of life situations. Caregivers can help residents remain in contact with family members via phone, video chats or email.

Helping Individuals Receiving Home-Care Services

For those receiving services from a caregiver at home, it is important to get a detailed outlined of the staffing agency’s protocol for the prevention of COVID-19. Also conduct temperature checks before having a caregiver enter your home. Anyone with a temperature over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit should not be permitted inside. Be sure to ask whether the caregiver has been exposed to someone who tested positive for coronavirus, ensure that a mask is worn at all times, and enforce constant hand-washing.

Keeping You and Your Loved Ones Safe and Healthy

To stay safe and healthy, it is important to avoid close contact with anyone who is sick or appears to be sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth at all times, clean and disinfect surfaces, and wash your hands frequently. If you are feeling under the weather, stay at home from work until recovered.

If you or the person you are caring for with dementia requires regular doctor’s visits, ask if a telehealth appointment is available. These are virtual health care services expanded by Medicare and are being offered to certain people from the comfort of their home.

Our Lawyers Are Standing By to Assist

PKSD will continue to give updates on COVID-19 and its impact in nursing facilities locally and nationally.

Our dedicated lawyers are ready to help. We are available to take your call 24/7. Consultations are 100 percent free. If we represent you, we could handle your potential case remotely.

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