Coronavirus Information for Alzheimer’s Caregivers
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to impact America, many things are changing. One thing that does not change is AFA’s commitment to you. We will continue to do everything we can to help families affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Resources for caregivers:
AFA Helpline: The AFA Helpline is open seven days a week (9 am to 9 pm ET on weekdays, 9 am to 5 pm ET on weekends) to provide guidance and information about coronavirus prevention tips, handling social isolation, caring for a loved one and more. You can connect with a licensed social worker by clicking on the blue and white chat icon in the bottom right-hand corner of the page, by sending a text message to 646-586-5283 or calling 866-232-8484 (the web chat and text chat accepts conversations in more than 90 languages).
Telephone-Based Support Groups: AFA created new, telephone-based support groups to help families affected by Alzheimer’s disease navigate the added challenges created by COVID-19. Click here to learn more about AFA’s support groups.
Virtual Activity Programming: AFA provides free, daily activity programming virtually through the AFA Teal Room to help individuals stay active and engaged. Here are some upcoming programs (click each program for a description and information about how to participate):
- January 21st- Mindful Meditation with Jackie (2:30 pm ET)
- January 22nd- Nature Visit – Tenafly Nature Center (2:30 pm ET)
- January 23rd- Chair Yoga Series – Happiness (2:00 pm ET)
- January 24th- Art Appreciation with FOR LOVE & ART (12:00 pm ET)
- January 25th- Music Performance by Maya (2:30 pm ET)
- January 26th- Mind, Muscle, & Move! (2:30 pm ET)
- January 27th- Art with Kyla – Accordion Book Collage (2:30 pm ET)
- January 28th- Disco-Funk Chair Fitness (2:30 pm ET)
- January 29th- Literary Arts with Hearts Need Art (2:30 pm ET)
Caregiving Tips: AFA has information available for caregivers on COVID-19 related topics (click each below to read more):
- Coping with caregiver stress
- Reducing family tensions and strengthening relationships
- Home therapeutic activities
- Adapting daily routines
- Connecting with someone in a long-term care setting
- How to prepare for hospitalization
- Pulling back from the breaking point
- Safety tips for essential workers who have loved ones at home with dementia
Health information:
Preventing the spread of coronavirus: There are steps family caregivers can take to help protect their loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease. You can access that information here.
Watch a webinar from Dr. Allison Reiss of AFA’s Medical, Scientific and Memory Screening Advisory Board on coronavirus prevention tips for family caregivers.
Protecting at-risk individuals: Older adults and those with serious underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Here is additional COVID-19 guidance for caregivers of people living with dementia in community settings from the CDC.
Symptoms of COVID-19: The CDC offers a list of common COVID-19 symptoms, as well as emergency warning signs that someone should seek immediate medical attention. Click here to learn more.
COVID-19 Vaccination: Information about COVID-19 vaccination is available through the CDC by clicking here. How COVID-19 vaccinations are distributed is determined by your state’s health department.
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s Medical, Scientific and Memory Screening Advisory Board urges all individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and their family caregivers to get the COVID-19 vaccination as soon as they are able to do so. Read the Board’s recommendation here.
Additional sources of information about the coronavirus (COVID-19):
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Your state and local health departments
Have questions or need more information? Contact AFA’s Helpline at 866-232-8484 or click the chat icon in the lower right hand corner of this page.
