Let’s talk about dementia during lockdown

The Alzheimer Society’s awareness raising Dementia Action Week has been postponed until later in the year, but Farnham’s Dementia Champion Alastair Shanks from Right at Home GF is keen to highlight why it is more important than ever before to talk about dementia.

Right at Home provides a range of care and support for people living with dementia and their families but over the past few weeks, Alastair Shanks has observed a worrying trend. He says: “I am becoming really concerned that the government’s advice to limit face to face interaction is having a detrimental impact on the mental health and wellbeing of some of our most vulnerable members of the community.

“Recently, we have seen people cancelling their care because they are concerned about the risk of exposing themselves to people from outside their household. Not only does this have an impact on those we care for, but it also affects their primary carer which is often a husband or wife. Being a full-time carer for somebody with dementia is often demanding and can be lonely. I can only imagine how hard it is for these carers to be doing their best to manage without any type of respite and to no longer be able to access face to face support.”

As the national response to coronavirus evolves, it is becoming clear that longer term measures are needed for older and more vulnerable people.

Alastair Shanks adds: “I think we all realise that there is not going to be a sudden end to coronavirus and that it is unlikely we will be able to return to the freedoms we took for granted at just the beginning of this year. However, I am optimistic and have been working hard with the team to make sure we can continue to provide care safely for those who need it.

“During what would have been Dementia Action Week, my message to those who are finding it difficult to care for somebody with dementia, is to get in touch as we can help. All of our caregivers are fully equipped with high quality PPE and are trained on how to use it. You can also take peace of mind from knowing that our caregivers are trained to the highest standard on infection control. If you feel nervous about the idea of letting somebody into your home, I urge you to contact us so we can explain more about the measures we will always take to keep you and members of your household safe.”

As well as providing safe care, Right at Home is also working hard to reintroduce a virtual version of its community groups. Alastair Shanks says: “Singing for the Mind, Love to Move and the Sunflower Café were highly valued by both carers and people living with dementia. As well as providing a regular activity, the groups offered support and companionship too.”

To help Right at Home know which sessions will be most useful, anybody who used to attend the groups or who was thinking about attending, is asked to complete a short survey stating the groups they would most like to see reintroduced.

To be kept informed about Right at Home and its services, you can subscribe to their regular email newsletter or contact the office on 01252 783426.