Left Out in the Cold: Dementia Care Partners during COVID-19

Miller Christine

doi:10.23937/2469-5858/1510108

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 has led to a reduction in hospital services across the globe in an attempt to manage existing cases and potential new cases of COVID-19. While Northern Ontario has not seen the influx in cases it had expected, many hospitals changed their visitor policies to limit or stop visitors from entering hospitals during this time period. Currently, many visitor policies in northern hospitals permit 'essential care partners' for pediatric patients, laboring patients, palliative care patients or surgical patients.

Highlights

Recent regional reopening in Ontario, Canada has meant a return to “a new normal” for some citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic
While patients with dementia are at higher risk of becoming COVID-19 positive, the risks of isolation and worsening cognitive status must not be overlooked in an effort to provide an infection free hospital zone
As hospitals begin to resume regular activities, it is highly recommended that visitor policies be revised to include caregivers of dementia patients on the list of “essential” or “designated” care partners

Summary

Introduction

Recent regional reopening in Ontario, Canada has meant a return to “a new normal” for some citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic. Caregivers of dementia patients provide extensive services to their loved ones on a daily basis, including assistance for activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living, as well as offering emotional or psychological support. As hospitals begin to resume regular activities, it is highly recommended that visitor policies be revised to include caregivers of dementia patients on the list of “essential” or “designated” care partners.

Results

Conclusion