CARING FOR PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA

The first step in caring for people living with dementia in any setting is to understand that changes in behaviour or worsening symptoms of dementia should be evaluated because they can be an indication of COVID-19 infection or worsening stress and anxiety. Not everyone with COVID-19 has symptoms, but when people with dementia do have COVID-19 symptoms, they can include the following: increased agitation, increased confusion, sudden sadness, coughing, difficulty breathing, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell.

Caregivers look after people who need some degree of ongoing assistance with everyday tasks on a regular basis. During this pandemic, they may also be a first responder, providing the first line of response and defence to loved ones living with dementia. First responders often experience stress due to heavy workloads, fatigue, and other situations that come with an emergency. So it is important that they find ways to manage and cope with stress as to take care of others, you must be feeling well and thinking clearly.

Here are some tips on how to take care of yourself:

• Eat a healthy diet, avoid using drugs and alcohol, and get plenty of sleep and regular exercise to help reduce stress and anxiety.

• Establish and maintain a routine. Try to eat meals at regular times, and put yourself on a sleep schedule to ensure that you get enough rest. Include a positive or fun activity in your schedule that you can look forward to each day or week.

• Make time to unwind.

• Connect with others. Talking to someone you trust about your concerns and feelings can help.

• Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.

• Have a backup caregiver. In case you become sick or unavailable, a backup caregiver will ensure that your loved one continues to receive care while you focus on caring for yourself.