Teri Sellers
The PebbleCreek Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group has not been meeting regularly and most likely will not be able to do so in the near future. I miss everyone in the group and want everyone to know that we are still here for you. I am sure that many of you miss the information and friendships this group has provided, but it is more important to stay safe.
Currently, more than 150,000 are living with Alzheimer’s disease in Arizona. And nearly 350,000 family and friends are providing care. But those numbers don’t make it any easier—in fact, it may be disheartening.
For the past 10 years, I have had the privilege of facilitating this group and I know the benefits of a support group. Caring for someone with dementia in and of itself is isolating, and now we are further self-isolating to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
You are not alone!
If you are not currently part of this group and have a loved one with dementia, please contact me to join. I share weekly information emails and am available to help you through this challenging journey called dementia.
Most likely, dementia does not increase risk for COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the new coronavirus, just like dementia does not increase risk for flu. However, dementia-related behaviors, increased age, and common health conditions that often accompany dementia may increase risk.
For example, people with Alzheimer’s disease and all other dementia may forget to wash their hands or take other recommended precautions to prevent illness. In addition, diseases like COVID-19 and the flu may worsen cognitive impairment due to dementia.
If you care for someone living with dementia, it’s important that you know what you can do to protect yourself and others during the COVID-19 pandemic and what additional steps you can take to protect your loved one:
* Know when you need to seek medical attention for your loved one
* Call a healthcare provider if your loved one has symptoms of COVID-19
* Be aware that older adults with COVID-19 may not always present with typical symptoms such as a fever or cough
* Use CDC’s Self Checker guide to help make decisions about your loved one and know when to seek appropriate medical care
* If your loved one has advanced dementia and needs to be hospitalized for COVID-19, make sure hospital staff know that your in-person assistance might be required to communicate important health information and emergency support
* Be aware that you and healthcare providers may face difficulties caring for your loved one because he or she:
* May not cooperate with care and may not follow personal protective measures such as wearing a cloth face covering or practicing social distancing
* May refuse diagnostic procedures
We are going through challenging times, but for those with dementia or the dementia patient caregiver, it is even harder.
You are not alone!
For information, contact Teri Sellers at 602-793-0299 or [email protected].