Living with dementia during COVID-19
MEDIA RELEASE
TO: Phillip Island Advertiser, Sentinel Times, Foster Mirror, Pakenham Gazette, Waterline News, Bass Coast Post, The Paper, ABC Gippsland
DATE: April 24, 2020 FOR RELEASE: Immediate
Title: Living with dementia during COVID-19
People with dementia living at home are being urged to maintain structure in their day and include activities they enjoy, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Schedule time for a walk or spend time in the garden, call a friend or family member, listen to music, or read or watch a favourite television show or movie.
The Dementia Australia website has a number of activity ideas, tips and information, www.dementia.org.au. The Dementia Australia Library also has a number of e-books and audiobooks available online at: https://www.dementia.org.au/library
For people living alone, having a strong support network is vital. These networks may include family, friends, neighbours or professionals – anyone who can help with practical things you find difficult, look out for your wellbeing, or just be there to share your thoughts and concerns with.
Carers of people living with dementia are urged to ensure their loved one can connect with others by phone or via video links, and arrange regular phone calls. A video calling program such as Skype or social media can help people with dementia stay in touch with others.
Having a list of contacts near the phone will enable people with dementia to reach others if they need to.
Dementia Alliance International (DAI) facilitates connection for people living with dementia through online communities or forums. The organisation offers peer-to-peer support groups for people with a diagnosis of a dementia. Contact DAI at info@infodai.org or at www.joindai.org.
Above all, be sure to ask for help if you need it by contacting your doctor, the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or you can access counselling or social work support at Bass Coast Health by phoning 5671 3343.
You can read more about COVID-19, including advice on symptoms and precautions, on the Department of Health and Human Services website, https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorian-public-coronavirus-disease-covid-19
Visit the Bass Coast Health website, www.covidbasscoasthealth.org.au for local updates.
If you are a carer and feel like you need support, respite or just a conversation about what support is available for you, Carer Support Services are available through Latrobe Community Health Service. Contact them on 1800 242 696 or through their website: https://www.lchs.com.au/aged-disability-carers/carer-support
Carers Victoria also has a Carers Advisory Line: Free call 1800 514 845 or online: https://www.carersvictoria.org.au/carer-advisory-line
People with dementia are being urged to maintain structure in their day during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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