COVID-19
Looking Back at the covid pandemic
Life in lockdown for a person with dementia
COVID-19 affected us all but was especially challenging for those living with dementia. It took away the opportunity for daily routines and social interaction, which is such an important part of everyday life. We knew that people with dementia are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19, therefore we were there to support clients the best we could..
Kelly Bleasdale, Senior Manager for EDC, comments:
“At Essex Dementia Care, we understood that it was hard on the families of those experiencing dementia too. So, we did all that we could to support them by providing advice and a listening ear, as well as time away from their caring role. During the first COVID lockdown, we wanted to continue being there for the families, so we provided a phone line support, which we were told was invaluable. However, we were also made aware that the absence of EDC activity and social engagement took its toll on a number of those that would usually have benefited from our services. We received feedback stating that some individuals’ mental health deteriorated considerably during lockdown but that they improved greatly after services resumed, thankfully. In one case, communication skills even improved with the return of EDC services and, in another, conditions at home eased too”.
Trevor’s story
Trevor lived with his wife Carol and, before the pandemic, would usually attend the Oasis workshop. Fortunately, though, Trevor’s One2One support continued throughout lockdown, with a ‘Memory Companion’ visiting him weekly at home. Through playing games and having conversations, Trevor was able to express himself and Carol found having the same person visit Trevor every week lovely as they built a really strong relationship.
Carol said:
“Living with someone who has Dementia and is disabled has been challenging and obviously made a difference throughout lockdown. The four hours that Trev used to spend at the Oasis centre was taken away from us which was difficult and has meant that I wasn’t able to do the jobs and shopping I would normally get done in that time. The practitioner who supports Trev is able to bring all of his old skills out again and he just acts himself, it’s so lovely to see. They played dominoes and cards, painted and made little wooden models!”
“Having the One2One service that Essex Dementia Care offers was amazing during lockdown and carried out safely throughout!”
Allan’s story
Alan was diagnosed with Dementia and lives with his wife Beryl. It was very difficult for Alan throughout lockdown to not have contact with anyone else. Alan had little understanding about the current situation and questioned why people could not come into the house when dropping the shopping off.
Beryl told us that Alan missed structure in his day’. Whilst they enjoyed the weekly quiz Essex Dementia Care organised during lockdown, Beryl couldn’t wait until the Every Day Counts activity centre reopened as she missed having time by herself to relax and complete jobs around the house.
She believed Alan enjoyed his time with Essex Dementia Care and that the staff were always welcoming.
Tony’s story
Tony is very social and likes to be with people, so the lockdown period of time was very difficult. Both him and his wife, Carol, missed Essex Dementia Care’s activities and couldn’t wait to receive the support again. To keep Tony’s mind occupied during the lock-down they completed word-searches and looked through old photographs regularly.
Carole said:
“I think I missed Essex Dementia Care as much as Tony did over the lockdown months, having those four hours to myself to relax and get things done really helps. As for Tony, he’s really missed the crafts they used to do”.
“When he came home from the workshops, he was always so happy and positive!”
George’s story
George lived with his wife Brenda and his condition sadly deteriorated over lockdown. George lived by a routine which he kept up with every day; the Every Day Counts activity group and One2One service were a part of this during the week. During lockdown he did very little socialising and Brenda said his routine became monotonous; ‘breakfast, wait for the carers to come, lunch and then wait for dinner and finally bed’. It affected him drastically, and Brenda looked forward to Essex Dementia Care opening up again.
Brenda said:
“We have a lovely man named Frank who comes for 2 hours on a Friday morning and this really helps me to get on with some jobs. Frank gets him doing things he would never do at home with me and you can’t make him. He plays dominoes, cards, darts and listens to music which really helps him whilst the centres aren’t open. COVID has had more of an impact on older people and I just can’t wait for both of us to socialise with people again and see the family – little things that don’t cost anything!”
George said:
“I think the club is excellent! They are lovely and I cannot fault anything”.
Willy’s story
When Willy started going to the activity centres it took some time to get used to it and get to know the people. then all of a sudden he didn’t understand why the first lockdown was happening. He was told by his wife, Margaret, about the centres, but it didn’t register and as time progressed he claimed that he had ever been to an activity centre.
Margaret said:
“I’m really hoping that when he gets back into a routine of going to the workshops, it will trigger something for him to remember Essex Dementia Care. Throughout lockdown, EDC were very supportive and I just can’t fault them. I had someone ring me weekly to see how things were going for us and was always told to ring if I wanted to talk if I was having a bad day. In times like this, it has made me realise how supportive they are and I don’t know where I would be without them”.
“The service has been an absolute god send…I can’t remember how I coped before!”