Remembering people with dementia during the COVID-19 crisis.

Abstract

This letter argues that we need to pay particular attention to people with dementia during this difficult timeof the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing rules and cocooning for people aged 70 years and over are nowin place in Ireland to slow down the rate of infection and protect vulnerable older people. This letter arguesthat we need, more than ever, to assert the personhood of people with dementia at this difficult time. That means more person-centred care andpractical support structures for family carers to allow them to continue to care at home in a safe and life-enhancing way. New public broadcasting initiativescould create information and communication channels for people with dementia and their carers, as well asdemonstratingempathy and solidaritywith their predicament. Government, the Department of Health, the HSE and the voluntary sector have risento the challenge of COVID-19 in all sectors of society. So too have ordinary citizens. Now weneed to uniteeven more to createanunyieldingcommitment and adherenceto the principles of decency, justice and equity in the allocation of scarce health and social care resources.By doing this, we will demonstrateour caring potential and capacityin a way that reflects our shared humanity, not only in the current crisis, but into the future.