Adult day care programs enrich the lives of people with dementia and but also offer support, convenience and peace of mind for caregivers. However, as we grapple with the challenge of the coronavirus pandemic, you may find yourself at home 24/7 with your loved one who has dementia.

We know that's not easy. You may have your own obligations, such as working from home or taking care of children who cannot attend school. Here are some tips on how you can engage your family member with dementia until you’re able to get back to your regular routines.

Set a Schedule, If You Can

Adult day care facilities have set schedules, with predictable activities throughout the day. Try to do that at home, adhering as much as you can to your family member's regular routine.

Provide assistance as needed to help your loved one with bathing, dressing, medications, and meals close to the same times each day.

Schedule certain activities for mornings and afternoons, with times set to meet your needs, too.

If your family member naps, take advantage of those times to work or to attend to your own needs.

Create a written schedule that’s visible to your loved one similar to schedules they receive in programs.

Keep Moving

Set aside time each day for exercise — as much as your loved one can handle.

If he or she can walk or is in a wheelchair and the weather is nice, go outside together for a walk. The fresh air and change of scenery will do you both good. Remember to each wear a mask for protection and observe social distancing from others.

Enjoy the Performing Arts

Music has been shown to help unlock memories for people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

Does your family member like opera? Classical music? Musicals? Jazz? There are lots of options online during this time of COVID-19. For example, Lincoln Center is currently streaming Lincoln Center at Home, featuring a variety of programs throughout the day that you can view from your own living room or den.

See what else is online that your loved one might enjoy, either on his or her own or watching with you.

Listen to some of your favorite music together and see what conversations might start.

Stroll through a Museum

You can't go in person right now, but many museums around the world are offering virtual tours of their exhibits.

From the Guggenheim Museum in New York City to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, they are waiting for you to drop in at your leisure.

As you go through the galleries together, ask your family member how he or she feels about certain pieces of art. Engage them to look at the colors, the subject matter and the paint strokes.

A painting may even evoke a memory for your loved one that leads to a delightful conversation between you.

Get Cooking

If your family member is able to help with meal preparation, give them a task they can do comfortably, such as making meatballs or stirring sauce. It's a great way for you to connect, and it may make meal preparation a little easier for you, too.

Socialize Virtually

Reach out to your loved one's friends and family members through online video chatting services or by phone. Take the opportunity to contact a distant cousin or a neighbor who has moved away. The extra time we all have at home makes this a great time to reconnect with others.

Make It a Family Affair

You don't have to do this alone. If you have other family members in your home, enlist their help.

Check when your students might have a half hour or hour to spare during their online class schedules to walk with your loved one, help with bathing, dressing and meals, or just sit and chat with your family member.

If a family member is working from home, ask them to use their lunch time to assist with your loved one’s care. We all need to pitch in.

Use this time to take care of something else — or take care of yourself. Caregivers do their best caregiving when they're sure to take care of themselves, too, so don't forget to take care of you.

Reducing the Risk of COVID-19 in People with Dementia

Older individuals are among those most at risk for serious complications when infected with the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The best thing you can do for your loved one's health is to reduce the chance of being exposed to the virus. Here is some information on how to protect seniors against COVID-19.

Next Steps & Resources

How to Take Care of a Loved One with Coronavirus

Alzheimer's Association

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

AARP

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.