PRESS RELEASE: ENFORCED SOCIAL ISOLATION IS LIKELY TO BE A FURTHER RISK TO THE HEALTH AND WELL BEING OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
ENFORCED SOCIAL ISOLATION IS LIKELY TO BE A FURTHER RISK TO THE HEALTH AND WELL BEING OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
Further compounding the isolation and loneliness that is an outcome of the disease
People affected by dementia have a higher risk of being socially isolated and lonely than other social groups. Current social conditions mean that the enforced isolation conditions are potentially compounding isolation and loneliness.
It’s something that carers or those who have a family member with dementia need to be wary of during these challenging times.
Sydney based Occupational Therapist and Dementia care expert Adelle Getz said that isolation can exacerbate symptoms of dementia. “If a person is used to seeing relatives on a daily or weekly basis and all of a sudden they are unable to visit this could cause extreme anxiety and stress and in due lead to aggression and agitation what we call an unmet needs based behaviour.”
“We also know that people with dementia struggle to use screens and technology so Facetime or ‘virtual’ visits etc may not be beneficial unless properly done.”
Getz runs a practice that trains relatives and friends on how to support those living with dementia and offers ideas and suggestions to make visits meaningful.
She is also cognisant of the impact of caring for a family member living with dementia, especially those who would normally be attending a day program or occasional respite care. Family members who are not used to having someone with dementia all day every day suddenly find themselves not knowing how to fill their days or add meaning to their lives.
Getz runs practical and empathetic services based on the lived experience of caring for her own mother. “My mother lived with us for in the final stages of her life and she didn’t leave our house for two years. But she used to ask us repeatedly to take her to David Jones. So we ‘created’ David Jones in our own home by using the ‘lift’ (the sliding door of our laundry), letting her shop in the cupboards and treating her to a special tea in the ‘restaurant’ which we created in our lounge.
Gets suggests that If those with dementia cant get out then carers can explore ways to the world bring the world to them.
And for those who have a loved one in a care facility during lockdown she emphasises just how stressful it can be not to be able to visit. For most people living with dementia, things like a Zoom call can be challenging. Questions like “how are you?” “what’s news?” or “what have you been doing?” just don’t fill the space in any meaningful way. Its important that carers and family receive training in methods to interact with their loved ones through a window or on a screen using very specific and engaging activities and techniques.
Getz has decades of experience in Dementia care and Occupational care. During the current health crisis she can consult with both patients and carers via Zoom and consults are covered by health funds.
The aim of these services is providing the skills and knowledge required to give practical, effective and empathetic care.
Adelle Getz is available for expert opinion and comment
Media enquiries Andrea Doney 0402050418 [email protected]
