Social isolation is an enormous concern for our elderly during the current pandemic. The process of keeping our most vulnerable population from being exposed to COVID-19 must include a degree of separation from the general population and other measures to reduce transmission. However, this process alone comes with an additional set of risks not associated with infection.
Most assisted living facilities have taken measures to keep residents safe during COVID-19 by strictly limiting or not allowing visitors. While these precautions do ensure a much greater level of safety for residents, long-term isolation and quarantine can lead to unwanted side effects, such as mental stress, loneliness, and depression.Â
When a person with dementia hallucinates, they experience something very real to them that nobody else does, because they sense something that isn’t there.Â
If you are on the receiving end of aggressive behavior remember that it is not about you and the person with dementia is not behaving as they are on purpose.Â
Danger zones are areas of a home where specific safety risks exist. By moving tangible hazards to areas inaccessible to the one you are caring for, you create specific and controlled danger zones.Â
Inappropriate sexual behavior is disturbing, but it may feel like a much greater challenge when your loved one or the one you care for with dementia acts in ways that are new or different for them.
Dementia alters how a person responds to their environment, and symptoms can come on suddenly or gradually, so It is essential to plan for complete safety in the home environment regardless of the level of independence.
Caring for a loved one with dementia and bringing them into your house may require modifications. Here is some help.