Emergency Preparedness Tips for Dementia Caregivers in Long-Term or Community-Based Settings

• By: USAging
• On: 04/03/2020 14:02:11
• In: Program Update

Long-term and community-based care settings—including nursing homes, assisted living, home health, home care and adult day care programs—are facing unprecedented challenges as a result of COVID-19. Many individuals receiving services in these settings are living with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia.
 
The new guidelines, grounded in person-centered care principles, identify important care considerations and incorporate evidence-based strategies to assist staff in long-term and community-based care settings during emergency situations. The new resource provides care tips and guidance in several key areas, including:
 

• Preventing illness
• Providing person-centered care
• Helping families and friends stay connected
• Monitoring and responding to dementia-related issues, including assistance with eating and drinking, mobility, and observing and responding to dementia-related behaviors

 
“In emergency situations, long-term and community-based care providers may experience staffing shortages or have to use non-clinical staff to assist with care,” said Doug Pace, NHA, director, mission partnerships, Alzheimer's Association. “This document can be used to focus staff very quickly on the most important considerations in caring for persons with dementia. It emphasizes person-centered care, which is the essential starting point for delivering optimal care. Individuals living with dementia thrive best with a consistent routine and with person-centered approaches. During emergency situations these practices are even more important.”
 
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