Senior residents in nursing homes and group care facilities are facing multiple issues during the COVID-19 crisis. Beyond the virus itself, safety guidelines have limited residents’ opportunities for human interaction with visitors, creating an atmosphere of isolation.
One Las Cruces woman has found a way to overcome some of the limitations created by the Covid-19 crisis, using technology to reach out and provide comfort to seniors in a local memory care facility who are living with dementia. Carolyn Scott symbolizes a new trend in this era of social distancing – she is a virtual volunteer.
Three days a week, Scott “visits” residents at a local facility via a BlueJeans video conferencing link. A facility employee passes an iPad tablet to residents in their rooms, one by one, allowing them to see and hear Scott on the screen, as well as speak with her directly. “I say hello, read a poem or just talk about the weather. It has been wonderful to continue to interact with them,” says Scott.
Social distancing guidelines have also created an obstacle for family caregivers receiving comfort and resources through support groups. Scott is applying the same spirit of ingenuity to that challenge, launching a virtual version of the Alzheimer’s Association support group that she facilitates as a volunteer.
Before the Covid-19 Crisis…
Scott, a retired social worker, has deep personal experience with the devastation of dementia, as she was a family caregiver for her late mother. After her mother passed away in 2016, Scott was inspired by this experience to volunteer to help others affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia– including those living with the disease and their caregivers.
As a volunteer, Scott would regularly visit seniors living with dementia at the Village at Northrise Memory Care Unit, the same facility her mother formerly resided in. Three days a week, Scott would read poems and stories to the residents who referred to her as the “Nancy Drew Lady,” because she would often read from her collection of Nancy Drew novels.
Today, Scott’s “virtual visits” have overcome some of the social obstacles created by the Covid-19 pandemic, restoring a semblance of “human touch” through technology. Scott is employing a similar solution to the support group she leads as a volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter.
During her time as caregiver, Scott says she benefited greatly from an Association support group she attended. After her mother passed, Scott was inspired to continue participating in the group as a facilitator, even starting a new group so that she could reach more families facing dementia. Now, responding to the social challenges created by the Covid-19 pandemic, Scott is launching her support group on a virtual platform this month. The support group that previously met in-person at Solstice Senior Living will now meet virtually every 2nd Tuesday, 5:30pm-6:30pm, via a BlueJeans link. The group that met at Village at Northrise will now meet virtually every 3rd Thursday, 6-7pm, via the same technology. “The family members need to know that they are not forgotten and the Alzheimer’s Association continues to provide them support,” says Scott.
For more information on these and other support groups offered by the Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter, contact Alexis Ramirez, Programs Volunteer Case Manager, at alramirez@alz.org.
“No one should face Alzheimer’s alone, especially in a time like this. Transforming many of our chapter’s resources to online offerings, accessible from the comfort and safety of people’s own homes, is a positive experience. It’s an innovation we are determined to continue as we move forward,” says Tim Sheahan (Executive Director, Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter). “It is essential that we continue to engage the community. They need us. It’s our goal to remain helpful to them in these uncertain times.”
Adapting to the current COVID-19 crisis, the Alzheimer’s Association, New Mexico Chapter is continuing their mission by offering many free resources electronically.
Below is a sampling of online resources for families facing dementia:
For Tips for Family Caregivers during COVID-19: Visit https://alz.org/help-support/caregiving/coronavirus-(covid-19)-tips-for-dementia-care.
For general information on COVID-19 issues as they relate to dementia and caregiving, visit COVID-19, Alzheimer’s and Dementia: What You Need to Know (Help Center): www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/coronavirus-covid-19
For Guidelines for Professional long-term & community-based care providers during COVID-19. Visit: https://alz.org/professionals/professional-providers/coronavirus-covid-19-tips-for-dementia-caregivers
Free online webinar: Skills: Mid-day Webinar for Dementia Caregivers
Presented in four daily, one-hour sessions, this online webinar is designed to teach caregivers to understand the disease, how it affects thinking, feelings and behaviors as well as the importance of self-care. Tuesday, May 12, Wednesday, May 13, Thursday, Thursday, May 14, and Friday, May 15, 11am-12pm. To register call 1-800-272-3900 or visit: www.communityresourcefinder.org/ResourceView/Index?id=1846227&profileDefinitionId=93
For the latest in our chapter webinars, call 1 (800) 272-3900 or visit www.communityresourcefinder.org, under “Alzheimer’s Association Programs and Events.”-
Visit www.alz.org/trainingto access presentations like 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's or Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia - and more! Many with Spanish-language options!
Explore www.alz.org/help-support/resources/online-tools
Free 24/7 Helpline 1 (800) 272-3900 is available around the clock, 365 days a year.
Today, 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. By 2050, the total number is expected to rise to nearly 14 million. It is the 6th leading cause of death in the USA*.
Currently, there is no prevention, proven treatment or cure for Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s takes a devastating toll – not just on those with the disease, but on entire families. In our own state, 43,000 New Mexicans over age 65 are living with Alzheimer’s disease and there are 108,000 unpaid dementia caregivers, many of whom are family members, contributing 123 million hours of care valued at $1.6 billion.
The Alzheimer's Association is the largest and most impactful nonprofit funder of Alzheimer's and dementia science in the world. Currently, the Association is investing over $167 million in more than 500 projects in 27 countries.
If you need help, call us. Our 24/7 Helpline is available any time, day or night for support or information at 1 (800) 272-3900.
*Source for all statistics: The 2020 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report at www.alz.org/facts.
About the Alzheimer’s Association®
Our mission: The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision: A world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia. Visit www.alz.org/newmexicoor call 800.272.3900.