Dementia Friendly Greater Pittsburgh (DFGP) understands the time we have found ourselves in is uncertain and confusing for all. It can be even more unsettling for our community who already experience challenges as a result of dementia. We want to be a support by sharing helpful tips and resources related to care giving during times of COVID-19. Be safe!
Tips and Resources Related to Caregiving during COVID-19
DEMENTIA FRIENDS
Have you always wanted to be a Dementia Friend or Dementia Friend Champion but attending an in-person session didn’t coordinate with your schedule? You can still become a Dementia Friend and do so from the comfort of your own home/computer. Dementia Friends is hosting virtual information sessions weekly along with a monthly opportunity to complete a champion training virtually. Anyone can register for an information session or Champion training by visiting www.dementiafriendspa.org.
DEMENTIA360+DFGP COVID TIPS
Presbyterian SeniorCare Network’s Dementia 360 program and Dementia Friendly Greater Pittsburgh (DFGP) created a document of COVID-19 Support Tips for Caregivers as a way to provide practical tips and resources for caregivers supporting loved ones with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUPS
The Alzheimer’s Association is offering virtual support groups! These will be accessible via video conference (computer) and phone and will be facilitated by fellow Alzheimer’s Association volunteers who have a lot of experience with facilitating their own groups. They require registration because there is a 20 person limit. People can call their helpline (800.272.3900) or go online to register. Learn more here.
ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDANCE FOR CARING FOR PERSONS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA IN A LONG-TERM OR COMMUNITY-BASED CARE SETTING
The Alzheimer’s Association is also offering new guidance to help ensure the delivery of high-quality care for people living with Alzheimer’s and all dementia in long-term care and community-based settings during the current COVID-19 crisis. You can download the guidance here. The guidance was released in collaboration with 34 long-term care and community-based care providers and affiliated associations. It identifies important care considerations and incorporates evidence-based strategies from the Alzheimer’s Association Dementia Care Recommendations to assist staff in long-term and community-based care settings during emergency situations. Many of the groups supporting the guidance document participate in the Alzheimer’s Association Dementia Care Provider Roundtable (AADCPR), a consortium of thought leaders from the dementia care provider industry including nursing homes, assisted living, and home and community-based services.
SUPPORT AVAILABLE FROM UPMC SENIOR SERVICES
- UPMC has a Help and Referral Line to help seniors and caregivers in need. It is not specific to COVID-19 but can provide support for those in need. For more information, check out the Help and Referral Line flyer and/or call 1-866-430-8742.
- The UPMC Patient Experience Team created foreign language COVID-19 FAQs for those who speak a different language.
- UPMC has a caregiver education program called INSPIRE. This is a free program that is designed to help caregivers who may be facing challenges in caring for their aging loved ones. It is quite flexible in what is covered to help meet the individual, unique needs of each group of caregivers. It is a multi-week class. If you happen to be or know of any caregivers who may be interested, please reach out to them at [email protected]. Topics include:
- Making the right decisions
- Dealing with behavioral problems in older adults with dementia
- Finding resources and support
- Resolving issues with insomnia and depression
- Private meetings with participants for individualized resources
- Maximizing optimal physical and emotional health