Please read: Coronavirus COVID-19 and advice for people affected by dementia

Status
Not open for further replies.

SerenaS

Staff Member
Apr 7, 2011
13,739
0
London
Hi everyone,

You will probably have heard about coronavirus COVID-19 in the media. There’s a lot of information out there. But not all of it is trustworthy. The situation is also changing quite quickly. I've put this notice together to help everyone on Dementia Support Forum.

Official advice

For information please go directly to the following official websites from the NHS and gov.uk:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response

If you think you might have coronavirus, use the NHS 111 coronavirus service to find out what to do.

Support for you

>Information, support and advice about dementia and Coronavirus<
This includes information, advice on supporting someone with dementia, activity ideas, support for a person with dementia living alone, supporting a person with dementia from a distance and how Alzheimer's Society can help.

>Talking Point peer support discussion on Coronavirus COVID=19<


Talk to an adviser

Alzheimer’s Society can answer all your questions about dementia. We can also give you tips if you find it difficult to follow the NHS advice about coronavirus.

• Call our support line on 0333 150 3456.
• Or, if you speak Welsh, you can call our Welsh-speaking support line on 03300 947 400.
• Our support line is open:
Monday – Wednesday 9:00am – 8:00pm
Thursday – Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday – Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm.

Please note: Alzheimer’s Society cannot offer personalised medical advice. But we will direct you towards other reliable sources.


Misinformation

Unfortunately, some information being shared about COVID-19 is misinformation. Misinformation can be: out of date, inaccurate, falsely claiming to be from a trusted source, or making false claims against other reliable sources of information.

Some people claim to be professionals or experts and post information online that is misleading, untrue or harmful. Sometimes people may share information which makes claims about COVID-19 which are untrue or harmful. This misinformation can lead people to reject health advice from reliable sources and make decisions which may harm themselves and put others at risk.

Have you seen some information and you're not sure if it's accurate? Use SIFT:

  1. Stop. (Don’t accept or share a claim until you’ve checked it out)
  2. Investigate the source. (Check if the source i.e. the website/newspaper/person is trustworthy)
  3. Find better coverage. (Use fact-checking sites like this one to help you if you're unsure if new information is trustworthy)
  4. Trace claims, quotes, and media to the original context. (Check - Did they really say that? Can you find the original article?)
We have to take a zero tolerance approach to misinformation and will be editing and removing posts and discussions where content is inaccurate or it is making misleading claims. If a member repeatedly posts misleading and untrue information we may have no choice but to close their account.
--

I hope this helps. I know this is a difficult time for many of you to be considering Coronavirus COVID-19 as well as dealing with the realities of dementia. Please keep posting and sharing your experiences on Dementia Support Forum - we're here to help. :)

Thanks,

Serena
 
Last edited by a moderator:

SerenaS

Staff Member
Apr 7, 2011
13,739
0
London
Hi everyone,

In light of the most recent Government guidance on Covid-19, Alzheimer's Society has made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend all of our face-to-face & group services.

We’re stepping up to support you - with additional phone support to help people through isolation and worry.

We’re also investigating how we can continue our services in the coming weeks, remotely and safely, to reach as many people as possible and help keep activity going.

It’s so important to stop coronavirus spreading – but we’re also deeply concerned about the impact isolation could have on the wellbeing of people with dementia.

We will work tirelessly to prevent that happening.

But if you need to reach out right now, don’t delay. Keep on using Dementia Support Forum, give our Dementia Connect Support Line a call on 0333 150 3456 and visit our online support page: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementiaconnect

Thanks,

Serena
 
Last edited by a moderator:

SerenaS

Staff Member
Apr 7, 2011
13,739
0
London
Hi everyone,

We're updating this discussion on a regular basis to make sure you have the information and support that you need.

Updates:

>Information, support and advice about dementia and Coronavirus<
This includes information, advice on supporting someone with dementia, activity ideas, support for a person with dementia living alone, supporting a person with dementia from a distance and how Alzheimer's Society can help.

Thanks,

Serena
 

SerenaS

Staff Member
Apr 7, 2011
13,739
0
London
Hi everyone,

I've included details or further information and support from Alzheimer's Society below

Our knowledge team has answered some commonly-asked questions from people affected by dementia, which you may find helpful during the coronavirus outbreak:

Here is where you can find information about other organisations who can help you with information and advice:

Being home alone whilst self-isolating could mean some people affected by dementia are more likely to be vulnerable to financial abuse. Coronavirus-related scams can take place over the phone, online and face-to-face. Here are our tips on how to avoid them:
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/coronavirus-covid-19-scams-people-affected-dementia

I hope you are all staying safe and well during this difficult time.

Sending my very best wishes to everyone

Serena
 
Last edited by a moderator:

SerenaS

Staff Member
Apr 7, 2011
13,739
0
London
Hi everyone,

Do you have questions about how to support someone with dementia who is in a care home? This guide has advice on the move from a hospital to a care home and advice on keeping in touch.


--

Sadly, some people with dementia in care homes have also fallen ill with Coronavirus. This guide includes advice on what happens if someone becomes seriously unwell and includes advice and support on advance planning. end of life care and bereavement support. Please note: due to the sensitive topic, the content may be distressing.

 

HarrietD

Staff Member
Staff member
Apr 29, 2014
9,612
0
London
Hi everyone,

Are you wondering how you can support people with dementia in your community? The blog post below has some helpful tips.

If you're volunteering in your local coronavirus response or supporting a neighbour or friend, or would just like some ideas of how to help within your community, these tips are for you:

 

SophieD

Registered User
Mar 21, 2018
4,045
0
London
Many care homes closed to visitors in March or even February 2020, but now visiting a care home during coronavirus is something a lot of you are having to consider.

As a friend or family member, you may be desperate to see the person you care about face-to-face. Each home and resident is different, but our advice should help you prepare for visiting again.

Read our advice on the Alzheimer's Society website here:

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/coronavirus/care-home-visits
 

SerenaS

Staff Member
Apr 7, 2011
13,739
0
London
Hi everyone,

As we've entered the second wave of Coronavirus COVID-19 many of us are facing changes to our daily lives due to government decisions to help limit the spread of this disease. We recognise that this is difficult for everyone.

However, we would like to remind you that we will edit and remove any misinformation and myths posted about Coronavirus COVID-19. This is a serious health condition and to date, over 1 million people have died.

There are a number of trustworthy organisations with information relating to the existence of the disease, its seriousness, its prevalence, developments in treatments or vaccines, and how to keep yourself and others safe. I've included an updated list below:

UK Government Coronavirus guidance

World Health Organisation Coronavirus COVID-19 advice for the public

World Health Organisation Q&A page

I hope this is clear and is helpful. We understand that this is a stressful and difficult time for everyone but it is important that we keep each other safe by following trusted information sources.

Best wishes,

Serena
 

SerenaS

Staff Member
Apr 7, 2011
13,739
0
London
Hi everyone,

A national lockdown recently began, with restrictions in place across each of the four nations in the UK.

I've included links to the latest Government information and lockdown rules for:

England
Scotland
Wales

Northern Ireland

Please continue to check the UK Government's Coronavirus information pages

I hope that you all stay safe and healthy and are able to access support for yourself and for anyone you are caring for or supporting.

If you need to speak to anyone, please call our support line on 0333 150 3456.
(If you speak Welsh, you can call our Welsh-speaking support line on 03300 947 400.)

Our support line is open:
Monday – Wednesday 9:00am – 8:00pm
Thursday – Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday – Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm.

Take care,

Serena
 

HarrietD

Staff Member
Staff member
Apr 29, 2014
9,612
0
London
Hi everyone,

As the vaccine starts to be rolled out in the UK, we wanted to update you all with the following. We hope it's helpful.

Researchers, scientists and doctors have worked at an extraordinary pace to develop vaccines against coronavirus. Older people, including those with dementia, are now among the first to get the new vaccines. This is a reason to be hopeful.

Here's what you need to know about the vaccine:
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/coronavirus/vaccine-covid-19

---

Older people and those with dementia will be among the early groups to be offered a coronavirus vaccine. Deciding whether to have the vaccine or not is a choice for those who are offered it but some people with dementia will not be able to decide for themselves.

You can read more information here:
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/coronavirus/consent-vaccine-covid-19-vaccination
 

SophieD

Registered User
Mar 21, 2018
4,045
0
London
Hi everyone,

The Government have now announced that care home residents can begin receiving one regular indoor visitor from 8 March. It’s welcome progress, but clarity is needed on how this will work in practice, and restrictions need to be eased further as soon as possible.

James White, Head of Public Affairs and Campaigns at Alzheimer’s Society, said:

“We are delighted that designated family carers will at last be able to visit their loved ones in care homes, who have endured months of isolation. It’s welcome progress as Alzheimer’s Society has been working hard, alongside thousands of campaigners, for almost a year to get safe, meaningful visits in place for people living in care homes, of which at least 70% have dementia. They desperately need social and physical contact to prevent their condition worsening.

“We ask the Government to provide clarity on how this will work in practice, and whether it will allow for flexibility in exceptional circumstances, such as an older loved one needing support to visit. We also urge for restrictions to be eased further as soon as possible, to allow sons, daughters and grandchildren to see their loved ones too. Worst hit by the pandemic, people with dementia have been rapidly declining in isolation: being able to finally hold hands will bring comfort to them and so many families across the country.”
 

HarrietD

Staff Member
Staff member
Apr 29, 2014
9,612
0
London
Hi everyone,

Alzheimer's Society has responded to news of the Covid vaccine reducing infection risk in care homes.
  • Research from University College London (UCL) looking at data from 10,000 care home residents in England with an average age of 86, between December and mid-March has shown that a single dose of the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccine was effective at preventing 56% of infections after 4 weeks, rising to 62% of infections after five weeks. The UCL research, which was funded by the Department of Health and Social Care, is part of the continuing Vivaldi study, investigating Covid-19 infections in care homes.
  • The Government’s COVID-19 mental health and wellbeing recovery action plan (published Saturday 27 March) pledges £17m to support recovery of the dementia diagnosis rate and tackle the backlog of appointments.
Fiona Carragher, Director of Research and Influencing at Alzheimer’s Society said:

"It is brilliant to hear that one dose of the jab is proving effective in reducing Covid infections in care homes. This news is encouraging, in terms of enabling further meaningful visits. People in care homes, 70% of whom have dementia, have spent a year cut off from essential care and contact from those they love the most, leading to heart-breaking isolation and a rapid decline in dementia symptoms, including permanently losing abilities like talking or being able to feed themselves.

Across the board we’ve seen shocking levels of deterioration among people with dementia, worst hit by the coronavirus pandemic, with our support services being used over 3.7 million times. We’re relieved to see the Government pledge £17 million to tackle the concerning reduction in diagnosing people with dementia and backlog of appointments, to give them the support they need, but we need recovery plans placing people with dementia at their heart to fully address the longer-term impact of the pandemic."
 

HarrietD

Staff Member
Staff member
Apr 29, 2014
9,612
0
London
Care homes: two named visitors can visit care homes from 12 April

From today (12 April 2021), every care home resident in England can have two named visitors. These visitors should be tested, wear PPE and follow all infection control measures during visits.

Gavin Terry, Head of Policy at Alzheimer’s Society said:

"It’s so reassuring for families affected by dementia to know that from today, two named visitors will be able to have meaningful face-to-face contact with their loved one in a care home, and that provision can be made for ‘essential carers’ where there may be a need for family members to provide more personal, close contact care. As 70% of people in care homes have dementia, these long-awaited visits come as the light at the end of the tunnel after a lonely, isolated year.

As visits take place, it’ll be important that each residents’ individual needs are met, and care homes facilitate visits on a case-by-case basis. As the vaccine continues to roll out across the nation, and infection rates slowly decrease, we’re hopeful that we’ll soon get to a place where family members no longer need to decide who gets to visit.

In the meantime, safety of residents and staff is of utmost priority, and we cannot afford to be complacent given the destruction and pain this pandemic has caused so many heartbroken families."
 

HarrietD

Staff Member
Staff member
Apr 29, 2014
9,612
0
London
Hi everyone,

The Department of Health and Social Care has released new guidance on care home visits. We've highlighted the main things below:
  • Care home residents will no longer need to isolate on return from a visit out of their care home, including overnight stays. Care homes will need to conduct individual risk assessments to ensure visits out are not high risk.
  • Where specific criteria are met, including an enhanced testing regime, residents will also no longer need to isolate following admission to the care home from the community. Residents admitted from hospital or another care home, or who return from any overnight stay in hospital should still isolate for 14 days.
Full details of the changes that will come into effect can be found here: (COVID-19) Coronavirus restrictions: what you can and cannot do - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Our Public Affairs and Campaigns team believes that all other elements remain the same, including the ability to have a nominated Essential Care Giver. As a reminder, these are treated similarly to staff in the sense they’re able to provide close care to someone and should not be subject to restrictions during an outbreak. The Essential Care Giver can also visit the resident if the resident is quarantining. If a new resident is moving into the home, they would recommend that an Essential Care Giver is identified in advance so that they can visit the new resident and help them settle in.

These changes will come into effect on Monday 21 June.
 

HarrietD

Staff Member
Staff member
Apr 29, 2014
9,612
0
London
A few additions to the above:
  • Overnight stays will no longer be subject to the 14 day quarantine. However, the 14 day quarantine does still apply if a resident has stayed overnight in hospital or is moving from another care home. Some other cases may apply, but this will likely be decided locally according to local infection rates (e.g. if the resident is moving into the care home from a family home where someone is currently unwell with Covid).
  • Visitors: there is still a 5 person limit on nominated visitors (not including Essential Care Givers)
  • Essential Care Givers: all residents can now have a named essential care giver. I know the application of the ECG status has been very mixed, so hopefully this should even things out. New residents should also be able to nominate an ECG in advance of moving in to the home to help them settle/provide care. They should continue to be able to visit/provide care even if there is an outbreak.
  • PPE use is still very important.
Again, this will all come into effect from Monday 21 June. I hope this is helpful.
 

HarrietD

Staff Member
Staff member
Apr 29, 2014
9,612
0
London
We know that over the past few weeks, many of you have faced difficulty visiting your loved ones in care homes. You want to continue supporting them, and feel connected.

We want you to know exactly what government guidance says. Here are the facts:

Who can visit:

  • Guidance strongly recommends that everyone should be fully vaccinated.
  • Every care home resident can have named visitors who can visit regularly. There is currently a limit of three named visitors per individual, plus an essential caregiver.
  • Any care home resident can have an essential caregiver. These individuals can visit in any circumstance to provide practical, emotional, or mental support.
  • Additional visitors will not need to be tested, but visits must take place outside, inside a pod, or behind screens.
When you can't visit:
  • If any staff or residents have coronavirus, visiting will stop for at least 14 days.
  • If you have tested positive, have symptoms, or are self-isolating.
We know that care home guidance can be interpreted differently, but blanket bans on visits are not acceptable.

If you continue to face difficulties when visiting your loved ones, please visit our website for the most up to date guidance and advice.
 

HarrietD

Staff Member
Staff member
Apr 29, 2014
9,612
0
London
Hi everyone,

From Monday 31 January, there will be no limit on the number of visitors allowed into care homes and self-isolation periods will be cut. Care homes now only have to follow outbreak management rules for 14 rather than 28 days.

Gavin Terry, Head of Policy at Alzheimer’s Society said:

"We welcome the easing of care home restrictions, which will come as a huge relief to thousands of families across the country who have had to jump through too many hoops just to see their loved ones when they needed it most during Covid.

Long periods of isolation have been particularly damaging for people with dementia, who make up more than 70% of those in residential care. Alzheimer’s Society heard first-hand how people with dementia experienced significant deterioration in their physical and mental health and felt abandoned by their loved ones due to lack of visits.

Family carers play a vital role supporting social care staff and may be the only ones who can persuade their loved one to take medicine, eat or brush their teeth with ease.

While we support the move to ease the restrictions, it is crucial that we all continue to use basic protection like wearing masks. While Covid infection numbers remain high, we are not out of the woods yet, and we urge everyone to help protect the wellbeing of our most vulnerable and continue to take precautions like wearing masks."
 

HarrietD

Staff Member
Staff member
Apr 29, 2014
9,612
0
London
Yesterday (Monday 21 February) the government announced its 'Living with Covid-19' plan, which details how the UK will remove the remaining legal restrictions put in place for the pandemic while seeking to protect people most vulnerable from Covid-19. ONS statistics from 2020 and 2021 showed that 30,000 people living with dementia died due to Covid-19.
James White, Head of Public Affairs and Campaigns at Alzheimer's Society said:

"As the government acknowledged in its Living with Covid-19 plan yesterday, people with dementia have been the worst hit by the pandemic, with more than 30,000 people losing their lives to this virus. Yesterday's announcement has raised serious concerns about how people with dementia can safely re-enter society.

The scaling back of free community testing will put family members and carers, desperate to keep their loved ones safe, out of pocket at a time when the cost of living is already rising. Ending the need for people to self-isolate after a positive test will leave many feeling anxious about catching Covid as they try to get on with their lives. Social isolation has already wrought untold devastation on people affected by dementia and the government must now ensure that its Living with Covid-19 plan works for everyone, not just those less vulnerable to coronavirus.

We are calling for care home visiting guidelines to be as clear as possible, along with rules on self-isolation and access to PPE for health and care staff. We would also like free LFT testing for everyone living with dementia and their carers, and to see the over-75 booster drive prioritise care homes and those receiving care in their own homes. It is now vital that we learn the lessons of the pandemic and ensure that we protect and support people with dementia who are still suffering from its impact."
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Recent Threads

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
137,809
Messages
1,990,204
Members
89,473
Latest member
SuzieMK27