We are keeping our distance from each other in order to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, but that means that care partners and people living with dementia are more isolated than ever. How can you help?
Here are 10 tips that will support a person with dementia or their care partner.
- Call a person with dementia every day just to check in and let them know someone cares.
- Send card or note through the mail once a week. Consider sending a family photo or a silly joke the person would enjoy.
- Video call a care partner and let them know you are there to provide emotional support.
- Ask for a grocery and/or pharmacy list and deliver once a week/as needed.
- Send a small gift such as a simple puzzle, game or book.
- Make a memory book for the person – learn how.
- Ask grandchildren to draw pictures to send in the mail.
- Volunteer to walk the person’s dog.
- Offer to be the care partner’s emergency “Plan B” in case of sudden illness or other inability to carry out care partner responsibilities.
- Remind individuals of resources available through their Area Agency on Aging, such as respite care, home delivered meals, transportation, case management and more. In Ohio, call 866-243-5678 or visit https://aging.ohio.gov/FindServices
Most importantly, don’t panic.
Encourage individuals to take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories about the Coronavirus.
Suggest trusted sources for information such as 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634) or visit https://coronavirus.ohio.gov.
If needed, encourage the care partner to seek added emotional support through local mental health service providers and/or the National Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990.
There is a wealth of information on our website to support care partners caregiving for a loved one at home. Please browse around the site.
Remember, we are in this together.
Bonnie