On 29 May, the Israel Ministry of Health, in collaboration with JDC Israel Eshel, published a COVID-19 booklet for caregivers of people with dementia. Entitled "Dementia in Times of Coronavirus", the booklet is co-authored by Neta Cohen (Dementia Program Manager, Joint-Eshel) and Dr Iris Rasooli (Director of the National Program for Addressing Alzheimer’s Disease and other types of Dementia), among other co-authors that include gerontologists, occupational therapists, and psychiatrists. Dr Dana Peer from EMDA - The Alzheimer’s Association of Israel also contributed to this publication, as well as translating it to English.
The booklet compiles information from professionals to help caregivers maintain an active and healthy routine for the people with dementia they care for. It provides suggestions for physical activities in the home, idea for cognitive and craft activities and guidance on modified day planning during the pandemic. Nutritional guidelines for people with dementia (PwD) are included, along with suggestions on how to support the emotional wellbeing of PwD. Finally, the booklet provides advice on how caregivers can maintain their own emotional wellbeing, listing self-care and relaxation activities that can take place in the home. The booklet can be downloaded here:
https://www.health.gov.il/English/Topics/SeniorHealth/DEMENTIA/Documents/Dementia_Corona_EN.pdf
