Routine Is Important for Seniors With Dementia During Coronavirus Pandemic

AdventHealth Orlando geriatrician Rosemary Laird said routine is critical for people suffering from memory loss and dementia, particularly during the coronavirus epidemic, reports the Orlando Sentinel . She emphasized that social distancing practices are especially important for people with dementia, who are often older and frail due to other health conditions that could make them more vulnerable to the coronavirus. Laird added that caregivers also can suffer from depleted immune systems from the stress of caring for a loved one. To this end, the Alzheimer's Association and other groups are offering virtual caregiver support groups. Laird suggested keeping regular meal and exercise times, as well as whiteboards to write down routines visible to everyone in the household. Above all, Laird recommended against dwelling on when the social restrictions will end.