Fears for dementia hubby
ANGELA Hogarth has not seen husband Derek since before the lockdown – and fears she may never see him again.
Derek, 73, is receiving palliative treatment for advanced dementia in a care home which bars visitors to protect against Covid-19.
Angela, 56, who has written a book called Alzheimer’s Not Just A Memory, says she has been told their daughters, aged 24 and 28, are unlikely to be let in even during their dad’s final moments.
The family live in Emsworth, Hampshire and Derek’s care home is in Surrey.
Angela said: “Every time the phone rings I’m worried it’s a call to say he is no longer with us. I worry I may not get to see him again.”
The Alzheimer’s Society is demanding clear guidance on how dementia sufferers can see their loved ones as lockdown rules ease.
Figures reveal thousands of dementia sufferers in care homes died of Covid-19 either directly or indirectly – and the Society says further harm will be caused unless social contact is reintroduced.
It suspects many indirect deaths were due to lack of contact with loved ones and carers, causing dementia patients to deteriorate.
As many lockdown rules are lifted, it says dementia sufferers in care homes are being left behind.
People have been unable to visit loved ones for 104 days, and even in homes that have reintroduced visitation many are afraid to do so without Government advice.
A study of 128 care home managers carried out from April 30 to May 21 showed 79% reported that lack of social contact caused a deterioration in health and wellbeing of dementia residents.
More than three quarters (76%) of care homes said GPS had been reluctant to visit residents.
Fiona Carragher, director of research and influencing at the Society, said: “The Government’s newly formed Social Care
Taskforce must take swift action and involve those with dementia expertise if they are to protect people living with the condition.”
Dementia UK is also seeing call volumes rise as relatives and carers try to navigate the eased lockdown with no clear guidance.