| Dementia Australia is calling on the community, including health and aged care staff, to work together to maintain engagement with people impacted by dementia during periods of COVID-19 lockdown. Dementia Australia Acting CEO, Anthony Boffa said people living with dementia were some of the most vulnerable people in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Ramping up the focus on engagement and communication at this time of restricted physical contact is vital for all of us, but especially for people living with dementia,” Mr Boffa said. “If stimulus is reduced for people living with dementia, the loss of cognitive function can escalate,” he said. “Over time these are losses that most people will not be able to regain. “Being aware that your cognitive abilities may ‘slip away’, as one client described it, is a profound concern.” He said people living with dementia, their families and carers have told Dementia Australia that some residential aged care facilities have not been able to offer appropriate alternatives to essential visits and this has resulted in poor physical and psychological outcomes for residents with dementia. Mr Boffa said it was crucial that those working in aged care, especially in NSW and Victoria were extra vigilant in providing care for people living with dementia to protect them from the risk of COVID-19 and social isolation. “During this time, the aged care sector is under increasing stress. For those impacted by dementia, there will be an added layer of anxiety,” he said. “With recent data suggesting that just over two thirds of all people living in residential aged care have moderate to severe cognitive impairment, this must be adequately addressed. “It is vital that people who provide essential care to loved ones with dementia are not excluded from giving care at this time. “People living in residential aged care have the right to assistance to stay connected with their loved ones, even when visitor restrictions are in place. “We encourage staff to involve families wherever they can to actively plan for different forms of engagement and methods of communication. “We are here to support the 472,000 Australians living with dementia and the 1.6 million people involved in their care.” Anyone with concerns can get in touch with the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or visit dementia.org.au for webchat, resources and information in other languages, he said. For more information on rights for aged care residents, their families and representatives see this fact sheet. An interpreter service is available and the Helpline is open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday excluding public holidays. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au |
Call for better care of dementia sufferers in lockdown
