The coronavirus pandemic has upended our lives in numerous ways. Devastating losses and drastic changes in our everyday lives and recreational activities have resulted in high levels of stress for people all over the globe. If you’re a caregiver for someone with dementia, chances are, the pandemic has compounded your stresses. Not only do you have the added anxieties of caring for someone who is more vulnerable to the virus, but you may also find yourself with additional responsibilities that were once shared by visiting service workers and family members. Although the global pandemic is out of your control, there are some things you can do to help loved one cope with the changes.

Establish a daily routine

Routine is crucial for people with dementia. Daily structure provides familiarity and gives the individual a sense of control and independence, reducing stress and anxiety. If you can help your loved one establish a routine with their waking and sleep times, bathing and meal times, and activity and rest times, it will go a long way toward providing them with a greater sense of peace.

Create a soothing and engaging environment

People with dementia are sensitive to their environment. Overstimulation can cause them to become agitated and increasingly confused. On the other hand, a lack of stimulation can result in depression and lethargy. It’s important to create a dementia-friendly environment. Here are some ideas:

Use soft, filtered lighting instead of harsh overhead lights
Avoid loud noises and decrease excessive background sounds
Play music at moderate levels to soothe without interfering with thought processes
Remove clutter so useful items are easy to find
Keep useful items in their designated spaces
Label cabinets with what’s inside
Decorate with soothing colors
Keep the temperature comfortable
Keep doors open and rooms easy to navigate
Display a few familiar items such as family photos
Create cozy corners and activity areas that invite engagement

A calm, predictable environment will support your loved one’s independence with their daily routines.

Help with social distancing and personal hygiene

It’s important to remember that dementia affects short-term memory first. The changes brought on by the coronavirus pandemic may still feel new for people with dementia.

Your loved one may need to be reminded to practice social distancing, wash their hands thoroughly, and wear a mask. The more you can embed reminders into the daily routine and the environment, the more familiar he or she will become with these protective measures. Try putting a bottle of hand sanitizer next to their favorite chair and a clean mask on the console table next to the front door. This will help your loved one remember to use these items regularly. Be sure to lead by example and provide gentle reminders when necessary.

Try delivery services

If you’re caring for someone with dementia, especially during the pandemic, you can use all the help you can get. Grocery delivery services can save you time and frustration as well as limiting your loved one’s contact with others who may carry the virus. You also have the option of different food delivery services that can provide you with everything from restaurant meals to freshly made foods customized to specialty diets. If your loved one likes to cook, you may want to try meal delivery services that provide exact amounts of each ingredient necessary to create delicious recipes.

Take advantage of online services

One thing that has changed for the better during the COVID-19 pandemic is our ability to socialize with people who are far away and participate in activities without the risk of contracting the virus. Virtual church services, telehealth services, family game nights on Zoom, and live online entertainment such as dance and musical performances can all be wonderful ways to help your loved one stay engaged and socially stimulated. Whether he or she plays chess, enjoys book clubs, or loves Zumba dancing, you’ll find any number of online services and activities that bring them pleasure.

Bella Vista Health Center is here for you

If your loved one needs dementia care in San Diego than you can manage on your own, it’s ok to reach out for help. At Bella Vista Health Center, our in-house occupational therapists are highly skilled and compassionate providers who can help your loved one with demental maximize their strengths and adapt to changes in healthy ways so that they can thrive during these troubling times.

Call (619) 644-1000 to partner with us in helping your loved one live their best life.