Four infographics presenting tips for caring for someone with dementia during COVID times. Includes protecting the person from COVID infection, adjusting dementia care for COVID, getting medical support, and ways caregivers can get more help, do self- care and reduce stress. Detailed discussions on these topics are available at the site https://dementiacarenotes.in

1. 1
Protect the person with dementia from COVID 19
Persons with dementia are often older and have co-morbidities. They find it difficult to adopt safe
behaviors or cope with medical systems around COVID. They need to be protected from COVID.
Keep the person
safe at home
Wear a mask when
helping the person. Make
visitors wear masks and
keep distance.
Use safe practices
like washing hands &
cleaning surfaces.
Keep unwell family
members away
from the person.
Be alert about the
person's safety
outside home
Avoid taking the person
outside home. Use
online services instead.
When outside, use
masks, sanitizers &
social distancing.
Improve immunity.
Stay alert about
symptoms
Adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Keep health problems
under control. Use
immunity boosters.
Use authoritative sources
to understand symptoms
and precautions.
Remain alert. At any
suspicion, contact
helplines
Dementia care during COVID
Caring for someone with dementia in COVID times
Salient points using four infographics
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DEMENTIACARENOTES.IN

2. 2
Adapt the care approach for COVID times
Changes caused by COVID have affected many aspects of the care environment and disrupted the daily
routine. The care approach needs to adjusted. The confusion the person feels must be addressed.
Create a routine
suitable for
current situation
Adjust home to
reduce problems
caused by COVID
Take precautions
while helping the
person. Be alert to
their responses.
Include physical,
mental & social
activities. Use online
options to overcome
COVID constraints.
Ensure there is time for
the caregiver's other
work. Take help of
family members. `
Reduce clutter. Ensure
everyone has space for
their work/ study.
Find ways to make
the home feel open. Reassure the person if
the changes disturb
them. Do not rush them.
Use safe practices like
masks when helping
the person.
Remain alert about
problems like wandering.
Keep noise
levels low.
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Dementia care during COVID
DEMENTIACARENOTES.IN

3. 3
Get medical support during COVID
Families are unclear how to keep the person safe while seeking medical help. They are not
sure how to handle normal health problems or emergencies.
Use telemedicine
for advice as far
as possible
Note: the scope of telemedicine is limited
Take an appointment with
a suitable doctor. Try for a
video consult with your
regular doctor.
Prepare: collect medical
history, test results, data on
symptoms, questions, useful
video recordings.
During consultation, get
clarity about the advice and
prescribed medicines. Get a
proper e-prescription.
Use services like home-
delivery of medicines,
home sample pickup, and
nursing services.
Use home health
services - minimize
going out
Whenever using any
service, follow safe
practices for contact.
Visit doctors/ hospitals
for emergencies &
necessary medical
procedures
(for things not possible by telemedicine)
Take precautions during
doctor/ hospital visits -
during travel and in the
medical facility.
Be prepared for emergencies:
Have lists of ambulance
services, hospitals, people
who can help. Plan what you
need to carry. Keep updated
medical records ready.
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Dementia care during COVID
DEMENTIACARENOTES.IN

4. 4
Try for a balanced and less stressful care approach
Caring for someone with dementia in COVID times can be even more tiring and stressful. Caregivers
need an approach usable for a long time, and should use resources to get help and reduce stress.
Choose a practical
care approach Do self-care
throughout the day
Use safe, suitable
services
Ensure care centre used
is safe enough for COVID.
Use safe transport.
Ensure home help/ nurses
use safe ways to care.
Use online resources for
information and support.
For remote care, stay in touch
with local friends, relatives,
services & volunteers.
Do small, practical self-
care acts all day long.
Ask for help for care
work and other tasks.
Limit time spent on
news, social media.
Use telecounselling/
helplines if stressed.
Focus on essentials. Try
not to increase work.
Make tasks as simple and
enjoyable as possible.
Share work with family
members if possible.
Balance care work &
other responsibilities.
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Dementia care during COVID
DEMENTIACARENOTES.IN