COVID-19: Caring for Those with Dementia


COVID-19:
TIPS FOR DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS IN
LONG TERM OR COMMUNITY BASED SETTINGS


From the Alzheimer’s Association:

Emergency situations, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, present special challenges to the delivery of Alzheimer’s and dementia care in long-term and community-based care settings, including nursing homes, assisted living, home health, home care and adult day care. People receiving care or utilizing services in these settings are particularly vulnerable to complications due to their age and other concurrent medical conditions.

Employees can also be affected in emergencies. Maintaining operations with the expected staffing shortages during any pandemic, epidemic or disaster can be very difficult. During this time, non-clinical staff may be needed to assist with care.

Caregivers in long-term or community-based care settings should consider the emergency preparedness guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in addition to the following suggestions for meeting the needs of persons living with dementia during a major disease outbreak or disaster.

As indicated in the Alzheimer’s Association 2020 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts & Figures, more than 5 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2020. People with Alzheimer’s or other dementia make up a large proportion of all elderly people who receive long-term and community-based care. Overall, 48% of nursing home residents are living with Alzheimer's or other dementias. Among older adults in residential care settings, including assisted living, 42% or more have some form of Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Many individuals with Alzheimer’s or other dementias receive community-based services: 32% of individuals use home health services and 31% use adult day services.

Click here to download the Association’s emergency preparedness guidelines. 

 Click here for to connect with the Montana Alzheimer's Association website and its work plan. 


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