Are you finding that your loved one with dementia has tried to wander outside of your home or keeps asking to go “home” and you’re afraid they may walk out the door because they seem antsy to leave home?

For those of you whose friend or family member with dementia is currently in a residential care facility, (nursing home or assisted living) you may be challenged by how to stay connected with your loved one and ensure that he/she is receiving the best possible care. Follow these tips to try to manage this time and minimize your stress

If you’re having a hard time finding ways to pass the time for you and your loved one with dementia, try virtual activities.  We’ve compiled the following list of virtual field trips, concerts, ballet performances, nature videos, animals and more that can keep your loved one engaged and you might learn a thing or two!

Congratulate yourself on making it through the week! Being confined to your home while caring for someone with dementia is far from easy. And you did it! Now take the weekend to try to do something for yourself. Easier said than done? Start small.

What can you do without your usual routine? Create new ones! Life these days hasn’t been the same for anyone. But for someone with dementia, the lack of routine can be very distressing. Before social distancing, the person with dementia’s schedule may have included going to an adult day center, taking a walk in the park, or having dinner at the local diner with you as their caregiver. While these activities are currently not available, think of what you can do to create and maintain a routine for you and the person with dementia. It will help both of you know what to expect from the day which can reduce stress and anxiety for everyone, especially someone with dementia.

Be careful of Coronavirus-related scams! These links have tips for how to avoid being scammed.

The CDC recommends staying home as much as possible to reduce your risk of being exposed. Use these tips to help reduce stress and feelings of isolation during your prolonged time at home with your loved one.

Did you know that people with Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of dementia may be afraid of water?  There also may be other reasons your loved one is resistant to washing his/her hands.  If you're having a hard time getting your loved one to wash his/her hands, as per the CDC guidelines for COVID-19, try these tips!