Living with Dementia

Living withdementia through Covid-19

We need to keep ourselves safe and well as we continue to unite against Covid-19. Here are some answers to get you started. For support, go to alzheimers.org.nz to find your local organisation or call 0800 004 001.

The person with dementia I care for is getting stressed and agitated because they cannot attend their usual social activities. What can I do? Sticking to regular routines as much as you can will help. Keep the person you care for engaged with activities they enjoy, or try a new one together.

Arrange a regular catchup with friends and relatives in a way that works for you both. Have a think about topics beforehand so you can involve the person with dementia as much as possible.

If you can, get out into the garden for some fresh air, or go for a walk, making sure to maintain physical distancing guidelines.

If the person with dementia continues to experience stress and agitation, stay calm and reassure them. Check that their needs are being met, any medication has been taken and they are not in any pain or discomfort.

You should seek medical help if you are at all worried about the person’s health, especially if there is a sudden change in consciousness, or if the person is experiencing impaired attention, disturbance in their sleep-wake cycle or any unusual sensory experiences, as these could indicate delirium. Remember that normal health services continue to function and should be used if you have health concerns.

I am feeling stressed and tired. What can I do and who can I talk to? Connect with people who make you feel safe and loved can help - a good chat with someone can make the day feel more manageable. To speak with a trained counsellor, you can also free call or text 1737 at any time.

Taking care and being kind to ourselves during this time is important. That means eating well, getting plenty of rest and exercise and keeping ourselves occupied at home.

Reach out to your GP if you are not coping. You can also talk to your local Alzheimers organisation for information on help and support available in your area.

What happens if one of us is unwell or gets Covid-19? If you are at all worried that you or someone else has Covid-19, you should call Healthline’s dedicated Covid-19

TAKING CARE AND BEING KIND TO OURSELVES IS IMPORTANT - EATING WELL, GETTING REST AND EXERCISE, AND STAYING OCCUPIED.

number on 0800 358 5453. For any other medical issues, contact your local health centre, or call 0800 611 116. In an emergency, dial 111.

If anyone in your household is unwell, you must all stay at home and not visit anyone or go shopping even at essential services like supermarkets or pharmacies.

Call your GP or Healthline (0800 611 116) and tell them what’s going on. They will be able to connect you with help and support.

Make sure you have an emergency support plan in place containing essential information to help if your routine is disrupted. Visit alzheimers.org.nz to complete your plan.

How can I remind someone living with dementia about social distancing when we are out? Choosing a time and open areas close to home that are likely to be less busy can help. Gently explaining what’s going on before you leave the house can help too, as well as demonstrating how far we should be distancing. Hold the person’s hand or link arms if it’s comfortable, and remind them when people approach.

How can I keep in touch with someone living in residential care? Being separated during this uncertain time will have been difficult for both of you. Talk to staff about the best way to stay connected. They might be able to help with setting up a regular time to talk over the phone, or supporting you both to use video calling if visits aren't possible. You could also email family photos and messages which they can pass on to the person if they don’t have computer access.

More information on these issues and a range of other topics can be found at alzheimers.org.nz

Tips and suggestions to live well with dementia during the Covid-19 recovery, from Alzheimers NZ As a care partner for someone living with dementia, you may continue to find this uncertain time disruptive, stressful and challenging, despite the relaxed restrictions. You may be caring for the person at home or unable to visit them as you normally would if they live in a residential care facility.

We all need to keep ourselves safe and well during this time. Despite these unique challenges, we also need to stay supported, loved and connected. Here’s a couple of suggestions to help you.

Keep in touch with your local Alzheimers organisation. They are there to support you online, by phone and by email. Many are also offering online activity and support groups. Talk to them about what’s available.

Connect with people who make you feel safe and loved in a way that works for you, through video calls, emails or the phone. Face to face contact with people close to you may now be possible - check out the latest information at covid19.govt.nz. If the person you care for is in residential care, talk to the facility about their current visiting arrangements, or other ways you can stay connected on a regular basis.

Continue to use local neighbourhood help and support networks for day to day needs as required, for assistance with things like grocery and medication deliveries. If you are at all worried about you or someone else, you should still call your GP or

Healthline for support, and dial 111 in the event of an emergency.

Look after yourself as best you can and try to stick to regular routines, particularly around sleep and meal.

Enjoy the happy moments.

Keep up activities at home, or have a memory day with the person with dementia. Listen to music, sort through photographs, or watch a favourite film together.

Go to alzheimers.org.nz for information and support on a number of topics, including support for care partners, activity suggestions, and other useful links and resources.