Fighting social isolation of vulnerable people with dementia through remote group meetings: An experience report

Background: People with dementia and their family caregivers may face a great burden through social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which can be manifested as various behavioral and clinical symptoms. Objective: To investigate the impacts of social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with dementia and their family caregivers. Methods: Two semi-structured questionnaires were applied via telephone to family caregivers of people diagnosed with dementia in three cities in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile, in order to assess clinical and behavioral changes in people with dementia and in their caregivers. Results: In general, 321 interviews were conducted. A significant decline in memory function has been reported among 53.0%of people with dementia. In addition, 31.2%of individuals with dementia felt sadder and 37.4%had increased anxiety symptoms. These symptoms of anxiety were greater in individuals with mild to moderate dementia, while symptoms of agitation were greater in individuals with severe dementia. Moreover, compulsive-obsessive behavior, hallucinations, increased forgetfulness, altered appetite, and increased difficulty in activities of daily living were reported more frequently among individuals with moderate to severe dementia. Caregivers reported feeling more tired and overwhelmed during this period and these symptoms were also influenced by the severity of dementia. Conclusion: Social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a series of negative behavioral repercussions, both for people with dementia and for their family caregivers in these three South American countries.

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Abuse of people with dementia

Reviews in Clinical Gerontology ◽

10.1017/s095925980999013x ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 35-43 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Amber Selwood ◽

Claudia Cooper

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

General Population ◽

Older People ◽

Memory Impairment ◽

Social Care ◽

Care Recipient ◽

People With Dementia ◽

Health And Social Care ◽

Vulnerable People ◽

With Memory

SummaryPeople with dementia are particularly vulnerable to abuse. It is inherently difficult to study as it is a hidden offence, perpetrated against vulnerable people with memory impairment, by those on whom they depend. In the general population, 6% of older people have experienced abuse in the last month and this rises to approximately 25% in vulnerable populations such as people with dementia. We know that various factors in the carer and the care recipient can predispose to a higher rate of abuse and this knowledge can be harnessed to try and improve prevention. There are also valid and reliable scales available to help detect abuse in vulnerable older adults. All health and social care professionals have a responsibility to act on any suspicion or evidence of significant abuse or neglect in order to ensure that appropriate management is taken.

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Telemedicine in elderly care during the Covid-19 Pandemic: experience report

International Journal of Development Research ◽

10.37118/ijdr.22202.06.2021 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 48257-48260

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Digital Media ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Geriatric Assessment ◽

Elderly Care ◽

Well Being ◽

The Elderly ◽

Experience Report ◽

Assessment Practice ◽

Structural Problems

Introduction: Telemedicine has been progressively applied and accepted, especially in the current context, the new Coronavirus pandemic, with an overload on the health system and the need for social isolation. Objective: To report the experience of global geriatric assessment practice by medical students through teleconsultations. Experience report: Teleconsultations were carried out by medical students in which instruments were applied for the global geriatric assessment of a 72-year-old woman from a short-term institution. Results: It was identified that the patient was independent to perform activities of daily living, however, she had uncontrolled blood pressure, depressed mood and demonstrated incredibility to the vaccination. The experience proved to be beneficial for students, due to the geriatric practice, and for the elderly woman, who received guidance to meet health demands and ensure her overall well-being. Conclusion: Telemedicine is a promising tool to ensure comprehensive care for elderly patients in a context of social isolation. Teleconsultations were important to highlight the advantages and obstacles of this type of care, which still requires overcoming complex structural problems for its effective application, such as the need for investment in equal access to quality internet and training of health professionals and the elderly in management of digital media.

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Impact of iN2L Tablets on Loneliness and Well-Being: Findings of an Innovative Industry-AAA Program

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.3399 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 949-950

Author(s):

Lydia Nguyen ◽

Karen O'Hern ◽

Adam Siak ◽

Kristi Stoglin ◽

Charlotte Mather-Tayor

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Family Caregivers ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Well Being ◽

Case Managers ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

Negative Effects ◽

People With Dementia ◽

Innovative Program ◽

Adult Day Centers

Abstract Area Agency on Aging (AAA) senior and adult day centers closed due to COVID-19, causing many older adults to lose an important source of connection and engagement, leading to social isolation. To combat negative consequences, iN2L and a Florida AAA partnered on an innovative program providing iN2L tablets to AAA-supported older adults to use at home. The tablets have a simple interface, content specifically designed for older adults (e.g., games; music; movies), and video call capability. Participants included 51 independent older adults (mean age 77) and 39 family caregivers (mean age 59) of people with dementia. Participants completed phone surveys with AAA case managers at baseline and 3 months, including UCLA Loneliness Scale (3 item) and questions about their tablet experiences. Findings show positive trends for loneliness and well-being in both groups. At 3 months, lonely participants decreased from baseline by 25% for independent older adults and 18% for family caregivers. Over 80% of independent older adults agreed the tablet engages them in meaningful activities, provides daily enjoyment, and helps with relaxation. For family caregivers, 79% agreed the tablet is another tool in their caregiver toolkit and about 70% agreed the tablet adds daily enjoyment, helps with relaxation, and provides engagement in meaningful activities for their family member. Approximately 50% of caregivers felt happier, less stressed, and less irritable since using the tablets. This work has implications for the utility of technology in promoting engagement and connection, alleviating negative effects of social isolation, and the effectiveness of industry-AAA partnerships.

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Review of Technology-Supported Multimodal Solutions for People with Dementia

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s21144806 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (14) ◽

pp. 4806

Author(s):

Majid Zamiri ◽

Joao Sarraipa ◽

Fernando Luis Ferreira ◽

Gary Mc Manus ◽

Philip O’Brien ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Literature Review ◽

Systematic Literature Review ◽

Potential Application ◽

Daily Activities ◽

Supportive Services ◽

Field Of Study ◽

People With Dementia ◽

The World ◽

Vulnerable People ◽

Potential Alternative

The number of people living with dementia in the world is rising at an unprecedented rate, and no country will be spared. Furthermore, neither decisive treatment nor effective medicines have yet become effective. One potential alternative to this emerging challenge is utilizing supportive technologies and services that not only assist people with dementia to do their daily activities safely and independently, but also reduce the overwhelming pressure on their caregivers. Thus, for this study, a systematic literature review is conducted in an attempt to gain an overview of the latest findings in this field of study and to address some commercially available supportive technologies and services that have potential application for people living with dementia. To this end, 30 potential supportive technologies and 15 active supportive services are identified from the literature and related websites. The technologies and services are classified into different classes and subclasses (according to their functionalities, capabilities, and features) aiming to facilitate their understanding and evaluation. The results of this work are aimed as a base for designing, integrating, developing, adapting, and customizing potential multimodal solutions for the specific needs of vulnerable people of our societies, such as those who suffer from different degrees of dementia.

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Alzheimer's Association Project VITAL: A Florida Statewide Initiative Using Technology to Impact Social Isolation and Well-Being

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2021.720180 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Lorna E. Prophater ◽

Sam Fazio ◽

Lydia T. Nguyen ◽

Gizem Hueluer ◽

Lindsay J. Peterson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Online Education ◽

Family Caregivers ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Social Engagement ◽

Well Being ◽

Care Staff ◽

Project Echo ◽

Learning Platform ◽

People With Dementia ◽

The Impact

Lack of social engagement and the resulting social isolation can have negative impacts on health and well-being, especially in senior care communities and for those living with dementia. Project VITAL leverages technology and community resources to create a network for connection, engagement, education, and support of individuals with dementia and their caregivers, and explores the impact of these interventions in reducing feelings of social isolation and increasing mood among residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through two phases, 600 personalized Wi-Fi-enabled iN2L tablets were distributed to 300 senior care communities (55% assisted living communities, 37% skilled nursing communities, 6% memory care communities, and 2% adult family-care homes) to connect and engage residents and their families. Different phases also included Project ECHO, a video-based learning platform, Alzheimer's Association virtual and online education and support for family caregivers, evidence-based online professional dementia care staff training and certification, and Virtual Forums designed to explore ways to build sustainable, scalable models to ensure access to support and decrease social isolation in the future. Tablet usage was collected over an 11-month period and an interim survey was designed to assess the effectiveness of the tablets, in preventing social isolation and increasing mood among residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 105 care community staff (whose community used the tablets) completed the survey and overall, these staff showed a high level of agreement to statements indicating that residents struggled with loneliness and mood, and that the tablet was useful in improving loneliness and mood in residents and allowing them to stay in touch with family and friends. Additional positive results were seen through a variety of other responses around the tablets and Project ECHO. Overall, the tablets were shown to be an effective way to engage residents and connect them with friends and family, as well as being a useful tool for staff members. A third phase is currently underway in the homes of people with dementia and their family caregivers, which includes tablets and direct access to Alzheimer's Association virtual and online education and support programs.

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095Can Social Robots Help to Reduce Loneliness and Social Isolation in People with Dementia? A Delphi Survey

Age and Ageing ◽

10.1093/ageing/afx144.114 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 46 (Suppl_3) ◽

pp. iii13-iii59 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Eva Barrett ◽

Kathleen Murphy ◽

Arlene Mannion ◽

Pauline Meskell ◽

Megan Burke ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Isolation ◽

Social Robots ◽

Delphi Survey ◽

People With Dementia

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Supporting the person with dementia and the caregiver

10.1093/med/9780199569854.003.0009 ◽

2011 ◽

Author(s):

Henry Brodaty

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Financial Hardship ◽

People With Dementia ◽

Person With Dementia

• The challenges of dementia management evolve throughout the course of the disease• Support for the person with dementia and the caregiver are crucial and takes many forms• People with dementia should be offered continuing support, counselling and regular appointments• Caregivers experience psychological distress, physical ill health, social isolation and financial hardship...

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Supporting GPs around euthanasia requests from people with dementia: a qualitative analysis of Dutch nominal group meetings

British Journal of General Practice ◽

10.3399/bjgp20x713093 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 70 (700) ◽

pp. e833-e842

Author(s):

Jaap Schuurmans ◽

Stephanie Vos ◽

Pim Vissers ◽

Bram Tilburgs ◽

Yvonne Engels

Keyword(s):

Public Opinion ◽

Nominal Group ◽

Work Pressure ◽

People With Dementia ◽

Clear Explanation ◽

Patient’S Autonomy ◽

Need For Support ◽

Group Meetings ◽

The Law ◽

The Right

BackgroundEuthanasia has been regulated by law under strict conditions in the Netherlands since 2002. Since then the number of euthanasia cases has constantly increased, and increased exponentially for patients with dementia (PWD). The number of euthanasia requests by such patients is even higher. Recently, an interview study showed that physicians who are confronted with a PWD’s euthanasia request experience problems with communication, pressure from relatives, patients, and society, workload, interpretation of the law, and ethical considerations. Moreover, if honoured, the physician and patient may interpret the right moment for euthanasia differently.AimTo identify ways of supporting GPs confronted with a PWD’s euthanasia request.Design and settingTwo expert nominal group meetings were organised with Dutch care physicians for older people, GPs, legal experts, a healthcare chaplain, a palliative care consultant, and a psychologist.MethodA total of 15 experts participated in the meetings. Both meetings were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsFour themes emerged from the meetings: support provided by healthcare professionals, influencing public opinion, educational activities, and managing time and work pressure. The need for support was considered highest for GPs for all of these themes.ConclusionConsensus was reached with the help of experts on support needs for GPs confronted with euthanasia requests from PWD. A concise and clear explanation of the law is strongly desired. Changing public opinion seems the most challenging and a long-term aim. Communication training for finding the right balance between the physician’s professional responsibility and the patient’s autonomy should be made available, as a short-term aim.

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Supporting and Protecting People with Dementia in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Journal of Alzheimer s Disease ◽

10.3233/jad-210264 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Giulia Remoli ◽

Marco Canevelli ◽

Umberto Maria Robertazzo ◽

Filippo Nuti ◽

Ilaria Bacigalupo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Deficits ◽

Telephone Survey ◽

Warning Signs ◽

Good Knowledge ◽

Knowledge Gaps ◽

Dementia Caregivers ◽

People With Dementia ◽

Vulnerable People ◽

Atypical Presentations

We aimed to explore the awareness and preparedness of dementia caregivers and people with mild cognitive deficits on how to prevent COVID-19 infection and cope with the indirect consequences of the pandemic. A total of 139 patient-caregiver dyads received a telephone survey and 109 completed the survey. The majority of respondents reported having a moderate-to-good knowledge of the typical manifestations of COVID-19. Conversely, only few of them were informed of the atypical presentations and on how to recognize emergency warning signs. Filling the knowledge gaps on COVID-19 in the most vulnerable people may represent a significant resource to tackle the pandemic.

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