Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Tips for the housing sector on supporting someone affected by dementia

Cover Covid19 Dementia Briefing

This Housing LIN briefing (No3) sets out a number of top tips on supporting people affected by dementia during the Coronavirus pandemic. It is specifically written for the housing sector, operators of specialist housing - such as extra care or retirement housing - or general needs housing. It also signposts to a selection of useful links and further practical advice. 

Many people living with or caring for someone with dementia will be self-isolating as the coronavirus pandemic continues. A large number may also be classed as ‘clinically vulnerable’ if they have other underlying diseases or health conditions that may make them more likely to be admitted to hospital than others. People living with dementia normally thrive on familiarity; familiar faces, a familiar environment, familiar food, and familiar routines, all of which may be compromised by the enforced period of isolation necessary to fight the coronavirus.

Building on the more general Housing LIN practice briefing (No1) for the specialist housing sector, Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Housing and Care in Specialist Housing, the top tips highlight some of the best practice and legal issues in supporting decisions that might need to be made about health and wellbeing during the CVID-19 outbreak; considers how to continue to provide practical assistance, support and manage risks; and provides information on maintaining meaningful activity and minimising loneliness during this period of enforced isolation.

To view other briefings in this series and updates, visit our Coronavirus Info Hub. And for bespoke support connected to this briefing and/or to help you organisation now or prepare for post COVID-19, visit our consultancy pages.