COVID-19 Resources for Caregivers

Caregiving during the COVID-19 Pandemic

People who are caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia are faced with increased challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, healthcare and caregiver support organizations have developed strategies for navigating caregiving during a time of increased stress and isolation. Here is a list of available resources, with the latest additions listed first:

Women, Caregiving, and COVID-19 – Resources from CDC

COVID-19 Mental Health Resources – UW Department of Psychiatry

Managing family conflict while home during COVID-19 – Center for Study of Traumatic Stress

Coronavirus Resource Guide from Senior Planet – includes tech guides, how to use Zoom, and virtual chat help

Socializing more Safely this Winter: How to Form a Bubble or Pod – Public Health Madison and Dane County

UW Health Geriatricians share advice for supporting elderly during COVID-19

Friendly Caller program offered for sheltered seniors

UW Health geriatricians offer advice for dementia care during COVID-19

Listen here:

How to care for a loved one with dementia during COVID-19 – WPR, April 28, 2020

The Dementia Matters podcast pivoted to airing episodes about caregiving during COVID-19 in May. Download episodes

Handouts and resources:

WAI Dementia Caregiver’s Isolation Toolkit (pdf)

Family Caregiver Alliance – Taking Care of YOU: Self-Care for Caregivers

The WDRN network hosted a meeting offering dementia-friendly resources for COVID-19 April 22, 2020. Read details and download the handouts here.

 

Websites with COVID-19 information for caregivers:

How to ease stress for Latino Caregivers

Center for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Coronavirus: What you need to know
• Coronavirus checklist for older adults
• Disinfecting your home if someone is sick
• What to do if you are sick: Preventing the spread of coronavirus

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin:

• COVID-19 resources page
• Coronavirus information for Alzheimer’s caregivers
• Caregiver resources & tips in handling COVID-19

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP):

• Caregivers and coronavirus: Dealing with forced isolation
• PDF: Preparedness for caregivers during COVID-19
• Clear-cut steps for caregivers worried about coronavirus exposure
• Keeping caregiver spirits high during coronavirus outbreak
• 7 ways to boost your loved one’s morale during coronavirus epidemic

Alzheimer’s Association:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): Tips for dementia caregivers
• Caregiver support (information available in Spanish and English)
• Caregivers: What to know about wandering
• 50 Activities for caregivers and people with dementia

Administration for Community Living:

• Coronavirus: What do older adults and people with disabilities need to know?

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America:

• Coronavirus prevention tips for Alzheimer’s family caregivers

Wisconsin Department of Health Services:

• Resources for dementia and family caregiving
• Safer at Home and Badger Bounce Back program

Family Caregiver Alliance:

• COVID-19 resources for family caregivers
• Relaxation for caregivers video series

John A. Hartford Foundation:

• COVID-19 resources for older adults, family caregivers, and health care providers

UCLA Health:

• Caregiving training videos

Senior Link:

• List of activities for dementia caregivers – suggestions to keep your loved one engaged 

National Institute of Health / National Institute on Aging:

• Alzheimer’s caregiving resources and when to get help
• ADEAR Center

TimeSlips:

• Enrichment and creative resources for older adults and caregivers