The elderly population's vulnerability to the coronavirus pandemic is well documented, but one segment of that population is navigating additional challenges – Alzheimer's disease and dementia patients.
"Trying to keep things as normal as we can. Yes, we still have activities but they've changed over time," says Heather Scott of John Knox Village.
Methods have changed in long-term care facilities, but for family members outside those buildings, there are a lot of concerns.
"They don't know what's going to happen to their mom or their dad," said Tim Tholen, of Thoughtful Care, an Alzheimer’s and dementia home care service in Prairie Village.
One of the biggest challenges for families, loved ones and caregivers is the loss of the former routine. Routines are critical for Alzheimer's and dementia patients.
"We're getting a lot of anxiety behaviors, or anger behaviors or worry,” Tholen said. “Those are definitely a challenge.”
Thoughtful Care's employees now are sewing their own masks and distributing among the staff. It's part of the new routine for everyone in the dementia care community.
Alan Fairbanks, of Bickford Senior Living in Overland Park, said they are making sure that staff do “everything” they can to help residents acclimate to the “new normal.”