Covid challenges – how Helen talks them through
The hotline run by Dementia UK has become vital at this time, as sufferers face additional hills to climb. talks to a Southport nurse staffing the service
FOR many of us living through lockdown, we’ve experienced feelings of isolation, mood changes and frustration.
But for those living with dementia and caring for those who do, these feeling have been maximised and the impact of the pandemic has been huge.
From having to repeatedly explain why everyday things can’t be done anymore, to articulating the Government’s ever-changing advice, and not being able to see people, carers and loved ones have faced unprecedented challenges.
Helen Green, an Admiral Nurse who works on Dementia UK’s helpline, knows first hand about these challenges and has been a voice to many through these difficult last few months.
Southport nurse Helen, 43, has worked on the helpline offering much-needed practical advice and comfort for three years.
But since lockdown began, the volume of calls has increased “massively” she said, as people across the country faced a new challenge.
‘‘The number of desperate carers calling to say they’ve experienced loneliness and anxiety has shot up since lockdown,’’ Helen said.
Helen, who works full-time on the helpline, said: “We’re there to offer one to one support and guidance to family members, and from helping them we’re finding there’s been a massive increase of calls during the pandemic.
“Initially they were more about ‘how do we explain to people to social distance and rules, how do we help them remember the rules for self isolating and trying to get people to understand they can’t follow their usual routine.’
“That was what the calls were like initially, and we were trying to keep them on the latest advice which was changing, and that was really difficult.”
Helen added: “More recently the tone has changed, to where the calls are more about the difficulties selfisolating and the reality of lockdown. We’re also hearing about the loneliness of carers.”
Before lockdown, Helen said she would receive calls from people all over the world, concerned a loved one may be showing symptoms of dementia and they would ask for advice on this.
Calls would also include people asking for general information, support with care and advice.
While still receiving those calls, the amount has dramatically increased since lockdown measures were put in place, back in March.
For those caring for people with dementia, Helen said she’s had calls about how to explain the dangers of coronavirus to someone with shortterm memory problems.
She said: “The advice was for someone living with dementia and for someone living with short term memory loss, so if you give this advice verbally it’s hard to remember.
“The phrase ‘Covid-19’ does not mean very much to people because it’s a new thing. So the advice was to leave a large written note next to the door saying ‘there’s a flu pandemic going on, do not leave the house’.
“This way we’re not overwhelming them.”
As well as this, activities in the home and virtual contact with technology has been encouraged.
As the pandemic has gone on though, Helen said calls from carers about their isolation, anxiety and struggles have flooded in.
She said: “The volume has increased massively. We always respond to people in the hour but ideally we want to speak to people on the phone straight away.
“There’s an increase of anxiety that they’re feeling and not seeing each other. Relationships have become challenging. The calls are more about emotional support and someone to talk and off-load on.”
One of the hardest calls Helen received during this time was concerning physical aggression in the home, she said.
She said: “There’s been a couple of calls where it’s been a crisis situation. A gentleman had called and his wife had become physically aggressive and distressed.
“The call was with the lady trying to challenge him. Trying to deal with that situation virtually can be challenging.”
While emergency services were called to assist in this instance, Helen said the difficulty with calls such as that is the helpline is “not an emergency service”
Nationally, Helen said the response to help people living with dementia has “absolutely not” been good enough, but the community support in Liverpool, particularly, has been amazing.
She said: “In Liverpool there are some fantastic resources. The response in community service has just been amazing.
“There’s a very, very strong sense of community and families supporting each other here.”
She added: “My hope is as we come out of lockdown that there’s an increase in recognition of the NHS as the amazing work they do.
“I hope there will be an increase in recognition of carers and more of an understanding of what it’s like to be a carer for someone.”
A spokesman for Dementia UK said it’s important to focus on what you can do with a relative who’s living with dementia.
He said: “From the calls we get to our Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline, we know that coronavirus has had a significant impact on the lives of families affected by dementia; day care centres and support groups have closed down and visiting restrictions are in place across care settings.
“This deprives people of dementia of vital stimulation which can help reduce some of the symptoms of the condition, such as confusion, restlessness and mood changes, as well as keep them connected to their family.
“For families, it’s important not to focus on what is no longer available but what you can still do with your relative with dementia.
“Watching a film together, doing exercise around the house or in the garden and talking about fond memories can be some ways to keep you and the person with dementia stimulated. However for families who can no longer visit their relative in a care home or another care setting, the option of video or telephone calls could still be available.
“In cases where this is not possible, sending a photo album of family members or a postcard can be a great way to stay in touch, and keep your relative with dementia stimulated.
“If you are finding it challenging to cope with dementia at this time, please contact our Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678 or helpline@dementiauk.org.
‘‘Our online coronavirus hub also contains a number of resources and suggestions to support families.”
There’s an increase of anxiety that they’re feeling... and not seeing each other. Relationships have become challenging. The calls are now about emotional support
HELEN GREEN