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:
Products to help people with dementia stay organized, particularly during COVID – Being Patient
Dr. Fauci interview about COVID-19 and impacts on people living with dementia (video opens in YouTube)
How to help a homebound parent get a COVID-19 vaccine – Next Avenue article focuses on children caring for a parent, but the information could apply to all caregivers.
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:
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America:
Wisconsin Department of Health Services:
Family Caregiver Alliance:
John A. Hartford Foundation:
UCLA Health:
Senior Link:
National Institute of Health / National Institute on Aging:
TimeSlips:
Helplines for Caregivers:
Alzheimer’s Association: (800) 272-3900. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Bilingual staff available plus online chat service
Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin: (888) 308-6251. Monday – Friday 8:30am to 4:30 p.m. Leave a message during other times.
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America: (866) 232-8484. Weekdays 8 am to 8 pm and weekends 8 am to 2 pm. Online chat service available too.