Self-isolation ‘especially difficult’ for those with dementia, chair of Sheffield support group says

As the UK enters its second week of lockdown, concerns have been raised that people with the disease could be forgotten as the crisis takes hold.

These include people not being able to see their loved ones, and others being unable to understand or even forgetting why they are not allowed to go outside.

Kath Horner, the chair of the Sheffield Dementia Action Alliance, said she currently supports around 50 people, but will be unable to see any of them for the foreseeable future.

She said: “I would normally be able to go out and see my clients but I can’t do that at the moment. I just have to send information to their daughters or sons.

“For most people with families making sure people have enough shopping and other supplies happens quite well but it’s everything else they will miss.”

Kath said lots of events like dementia cafes, museum visits, craft, dancing and singing groups - which those living with dementia and their carers rely on - have been cancelled because of the crisis.

“I ring them up as often as I can, telling them to try to do exercise where they can and making sure they have their medication sorted,” said Kath.

“But people will also be used to going for a walk in the local area which they won’t be able to do and those with Alzheimer’s can sometimes forget why.”

Kath is not currently having to isolate herself but - as she lives with someone who has diabetes - says she is ‘being careful’.

Dementia UK has produced guidance for those caring for someone with dementia which is published on its website.

This includes advice on explaining to someone who has the disease the importance of washing their hands regularly and self-isolation.

It also includes tips on coping without the help of support groups or day centres and keeping in touch with the outside world.

For the full guidance visit www.dementiauk.org/dementia-uk-coronavirus-advice.