Living with dementia in lockdown - what it's like and what help is available in Lancashire

The charity is keen to ensure carers are getting emotional and mental support as well as guidance during a time when they cannot get respite via day centres

One of those receiving the support is Norma Kirby from Ribbleton who cares for husband Barry, who has vascular dementia. Usually Norma is able to carry out everyday tasks while Barry attends the Age Concern Withy Trees Day Centre in Preston three days a week.

Norma, 64, said: “Barry doesn’t understand what’s going on, he still wants to go shopping and see his friends. He gets very frustrated and his speech isn’t good, so I can’t have much of a conversation with him.

“He’s painted a rainbow that we’ve put in the window and I’ve been making cakes with him, he needs constant attention.”

Because both Norma and Barry, 71, have lung condition Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, they have spent three weeks in isolation.

She said: “Luckily I’ve got three good friends doing shopping for us and we’re luckily enough to have a nice garden to sit out in, some don’t have.

“But I even panic when the postman comes. And the other day, Barry sneaked out and got the bins, and I had to scrub his hands for ages afterwards.

“I think I’ll be scared to go out even when it’s over. It’s my biggest, biggest worry.

“But I know I’m not on my own and the phone calls from Age Concern are appreciated. Other people need to know that help is available to help them cope.”

Norma, who retired as a machinist at Tetrad to look after Barry, said she is even putting vulnerable friends who she would normally cook for in touch with the charity and organising food parcels to be delivered to them.

She added: “It’s very hard because I am used to helping other people and I can’t. There are some days when I feel very low, but I have to remember that I’m doing the right thing for Barry, and we need other people to stick to the rules.”

What help is out there for people living with dementia during self-isolation?

Hundreds of calls are made weekly and already dozens of households have received a free Age Concern Dementia support pack which contains activities and advice for online resources.

The charity's website is packed full of free resources and activities for people to download to help them during isolation- http:// https://www.ageisjustanumber.org.uk/services/dementia-services/

A free activity pack is also available from the team by calling 01772 552850 opt 0

As well as this, the charity has recently launched a partnership with Happy Days where they can now sell products via their website for those who are living with dementia – these include reminiscences packs, chat cards and dementia friendly games. Visit: https://www.ageisjustanumber.org.uk/shop/dementia-products

Age Concern also has a number of food delivery option including a free shopping service for those aged 70 and over who are self isolating.

Advice from experts

1) Keep routines as much as possible, basic things like getting up at a similar time, keep meal times, to help maintain structure.

2) Plan your day/week – choose to sort out a drawer/cupboard, old phots – combine with reminiscence.

3) Make a memory box- include personal items like photos, hobby items, postcards, perfumes etc.:

4) If you enjoy a hobby, spend some time to enjoy it again.

5) If you have a garden, spend some time weeding, re-potting plants, organising garden tools.

6) Use technology to keep in touch – skype/video call family to keep in touch

7) Music – listen to your favourite music- use Alexa’s, iPad, and mobile phones to search for old songs from the past.

8) Quizzes & crosswords can be enjoyed with carers as well.

9) Jigsaws are an activity which can be enjoyed

10) Seek support– we can provide regular check in calls and post out dementia resources.

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Alison Turner, Head of Dementia Services at Age Concern commented, “A little Encouragement to try activities is a good start, enjoy the time spent reminiscing; it’s having time to enjoy those moments together and can help relieve the stresses of being in isolation.”

She continued … “As a carer your health and wellbeing is just as important as your loved one, take time out for yourself, where possible.

"Read a book or a soak in the bath often feels like a treat! You are only one person and at any one time, you may feel alone, it is good to have someone to talk to. This is an emotional time it is important to take a moment to talk about how your feeling, sometimes just having someone to listen to your feelings helps. Our teams are here to help and just a phone call away.”