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One of the most common questions my readers ask nowadays is how can we support our residents who live with dementia while protecting them from COVID-19.
All senior living communities face new and difficult challenges in the face of the pandemic. These challenges multiply when our residents don’t understand what’s happening, and they can’t choose to follow infection control policies.
Today I’m sharing seven general guidelines that I believe you’ll find helpful. Keep in mind, however, that every resident is a unique individual, and there are no one-size-fits-all rules. Now, more than ever before, we need to be creative and flexible when working with residents living with dementia.
1. Watch your emotions
People living with dementia might not understand what you say, but they’re usually very good at picking up on emotions. If you’re anxious about the pandemic, residents can sense it through your tone of voice, facial expression, or body language.
Before beginning your shift, take a few deep breaths, relax, and leave the pandemic outside the door. Yes, this is challenging—especially when we see our co-workers wearing masks and other PPE. But by creating a positive mindset, you’ll set the stage for a better shift for yourself and your residents.
2. Let it go
During the pandemic, we’re repeatedly told not to touch our faces, stay at least 6 ft away from other people, and cough/sneeze into a tissue. While we might like to see our residents following these rules, too, I can pretty much guarantee you they won’t remember.
We can use cues and distractions to redirect our residents if we see them doing something that could spread the virus. But nagging or scolding has no place in dementia care. This only causes anxiety and frustration, and it won’t improve infection control.
3. Wash your hands
The best way to prevent the spread of infection is to wash our hands frequently and thoroughly. Cue residents to wash their hands often throughout the day, too, and use demonstrations to help ensure they use proper technique. You can make it fun by washing your hands while singing a song that takes about 20 seconds. A few options include (sing through two times):
“Happy Birthday”
“Row, Row, Row Your Boat”
“If You’re Happy And You Know It, Wash Your Hands”
4. Improve communication
Know that many residents will have more difficulty understanding you when you’re wearing a face mask. You’ll find this especially true if they have some degree of hearing loss. When they can’t read your lips or see your facial expression, communication becomes more of a challenge.
That’s why it’s important to use body language, gestures, and pictures to help the resident understand. You might also try writing notes; many people living with dementia can still read.
5. Explain what’s happening
A person living with dementia may become concerned about something related to the pandemic. They might wonder why people are wearing masks, why they can’t eat in the dining room, or why their family doesn’t visit.
You need not go into complicated explanations. Try a simple statement like, “The flu is going around. We’re doing this to stay healthy.” Then redirect to another topic or activity. All of our residents have experienced flu outbreaks over the years, so this is something they can relate to and understand.
6. Be careful with TV
While it may be tempting to leave the TV on so you can stay updated on COVID-19 news, this is rarely a good idea. People living with dementia often find news reports confusing and upsetting.
Usually, your best bet is to play familiar music in the background. If a resident enjoys watching TV, stick with classic sitcoms, sports, musicals, or DVDs of puppies/kittens or babies.
7. Use technology
Programs like Skype, Zoom, and FaceTime have become excellent tools to keep residents and families in touch during visitor restrictions. However, keep in mind that people living with dementia may find these technologies confusing.
They might not recognize the people they see, and this could be difficult for both the resident and their family members. In some situations, an old-fashioned phone call may be a better option.
I know quite a few of my readers work or volunteer on memory care units. What advice can you add? Please share your thoughts in the comment section.
Are you looking for independent activities your residents will enjoy? With a bit of tweaking, these 18 activities can be adapted to follow COVID-19 rules.
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