PROTECTING LOVED ONES SUFFERING FROM DEMENTIA

If you care for someone living with dementia, it is important that you know what you can do to protect yourself and others during the COVID-19 pandemic and what additional steps you can take to protect your loved one:

• Know when you need to seek medical attention for your loved one.

• Call a healthcare provider if your loved one has symptoms of COVID-19.

• Be aware that older adults with COVID-19 may not always have typical symptoms such as a fever or cough.

If your loved one has advanced dementia and needs to be hospitalised for COVID-19, make sure that staff know that your in-person assistance might be required to communicate important health information and emergency support.

Here are several important issues to consider:

• Be prepared to use personal protective measures as recommended by the hospital staff if you are in the room with your loved one.

• Be aware that you and healthcare providers may face difficulties caring for your loved one because he or she:

– May not cooperate with care and may not follow personal protective measures such as wearing a cloth face covering or practising social distancing. – May refuse diagnostic procedures. Incorporate CDC guidance into your daily routine and the daily routine of your loved one:

• Wear cloth face coverings and make sure that others wear them.

• Do not place a cloth face covering on anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, is incapacitated, or is unable to remove the mask without assistance.

• Wash hands often.

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue.

• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.