In Finland, the novel coronavirus outbreak started in March. People started working from home, care homes closed their doors to visitors and all individuals over 70 were asked to avoid contact with others. Local associations and “Muistiluotsi” expert and support centres of the Alzheimer Society of Finland cancelled all activities, events and peer support groups, for the time being.
This meant a significant change for the people with memory-related diseases and their families. The Alzheimer Society of Finland wanted to know more and sent a survey to local associations asking about the situation. The survey showed that the situation is difficult in many ways:
Since visits to care homes have not been allowed, people are missing their loved ones and are worried about them. People with memory-related diseases living at home and their families are having trouble as well. Carers do not get any free time because all activities for the people needing their support are cancelled, so they are getting tired. People with memory-related diseases living alone are cut off from the world and are lonely.
There have, however, been some positive sides as well. As soon as all activities were cancelled, local professionals started thinking about new ways to reach their members. Peer support groups were organised virtually, using a variety of online platforms. These meetings were well-received. Some associations have been making videos and publishing them on YouTube, encouraging people to sing or to exercise. Others have been calling their members and asking how they are doing, as well as sending letters and work packages to help them remain active.
The “Muistineuvo” memory advice phone support answers questions regarding memory-related diseases. Before the outbreak, the phone-line was open three days a week. The opening times have now been extended to five days a week, to ensure more coverage and support at this difficult time.
“Despite all the challenges COVID-19 has brought to both people with memory-diseases and their carers and our organisation, I feel happy and proud, when I see the agility and innovativeness of our professionals. They really are doing their best to help our clients in these difficult times”, said Katariina Suomu (pictured), Executive Director of the Alzheimer Society of Finland.
