On 7 July 2020, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) published further research on the experiences of people living with dementia and family carers during the COVID-19 Pandemic. This follows on from a previous report on this subject published in April.
126 informal carers and 15 people living with dementia took part in a survey online or over the phone. It was found that:
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COVID-19 is having a serious negative impact on people living with dementia and family carers mainly due to closure of dementia-specific services and activities.
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The report highlights that 86% of carers are concerned about a decline in the health of their loved one while 58% of people with dementia report feeling “lonely”, “isolated”, “trapped” and “confined’.
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Family carers who are dealing with grief, loss and a tremendous workload are often facing this crisis alone as they feel unable to reach out to other family members at this time. 77% of carers have said their caring workload has increased since COVID-19.
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This situation is being made all the more unbearable as there was a substantial delay in releasing guidelines or a roadmap for reopening vital services such as day care, Alzheimer Cafes and support groups for people with dementia.
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The report has revealed worrying long-term implications of the lockdown with 75% of respondents with dementia and 61% of family carers feeling concerned about their mental health.
On 28 July, The ASI highlighted these results, listened to experiences of people with dementia and family carers first-hand, and called for action in a public webinar. Over 180 people tuned it and The ASI was delighted that guidelines were released by the Irish Government on that same day.
You can read the research report or a plain language summary by visiting https://alzheimer.ie/creating-change/research/
Pictured: Research Webinar (l-r) - The ASI's Laura O'Philbin, Tina Leonard, CEO Pat McLoughlin, Carer Denise Monahan, Bernadette Rock, Cormac Cahill, Advocate Jacinta Dixon and Clodagh Whelan
