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 has 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):
- Trivia Time with AFA (Apr. 8th, 2:30 pm ET)
- Music with Eric (Apr. 9th, 2:30 pm ET)
- Chair Yoga Series with Sheryl – Gratitude (Apr. 10th, 2 pm ET)
- Music with Monique & Stephen (Apr. 11th, 12 pm ET)
- Sinatra Sing-Along with Shana (Apr. 12th, 2:30 pm ET)
- Disco-Funk Chair Fitness (Apr. 13th, 2:30 pm ET)
- Gardening with Sallie – Learn About Pansies (Apr. 14th, 2:30 pm ET)
- Refresh & Relax with AFA (Apr. 15th, 2:30 pm ET)
- Music Performance by Maya (Apr. 16th, 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.
Managing COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s: The video below details steps family caregivers should take to care for a loved one if they are suspected of having COVID-19, what to do when a diagnosis is made, how to support recovery, and the importance of vaccination.
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.
