A new resource on “At Home Activities” has been published, aimed at people living with dementia and their carers, during the COVID-19 confinement period. This extensive resource, which contains many suggested activities together with clear and concise information and instructions, is the result of a collaboration between The Alzheimer Society of Ireland and Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE), as part of the “Dementia: Understand Together” campaign, which is a public support, awareness and information campaign. It is really great to see the work being done, both by individual organisations and in collaborations such as this, during this difficult period.
The outbreak of COVID-19 has placed those who are more vulnerable in our society at an increased risk of serious illness when contracting the virus. Disrupted work, travel, social activities and the way we engage with family and friends, has also disproportionately affected the more vulnerable. In addition to these concerns, the measures currently in place to restrict the spread of the virus, may put added pressure on carers.
With traditional services such as daycare and support groups closed, organisations and community groups are finding new, more flexible ways to deliver supports and information for people with dementia and their families. One excellent example is the “At Home Activities” booklet, which Emma O’Brien, Occupational Therapist from the Memory Technology Resource Rooms in Cork and Tipperary, has put together.
Staying active and engaged in meaningful activity is especially important for a person with dementia.
It has both physical and psychological benefits such as:
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helping to maintain/increase muscle strength
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increasing alertness and concentration
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reducing irritability and depression.
The At Home Activity booklet as well as a resource hub and weekly activity planner can be found here: https://www.understandtogether.ie/training-resources/helpful-resources/publications/
