Invisible Cost Of Lockdown

For the families and friends of the estimated 311,000 people living with dementia in care homes across the UK being an invisible minority is a way of life. COVID-19 though has made them feel even further detached from society. The initial confusion that saw infectious residents discharged back to homes was just the start of a nightmare scenario for the care sector. Having got through the initial wave of the virus as society begins to open up to the new norm care homes could be forgiven for feeling as isolated as ever. Whilst the chances of catching COVID-19 have receded there is still no coherent policy on how to deal with the most vulnerable members of our society. Keeping the door locked has been the only effective method but now residents, families, friends and staff are at a loss as to whats going to happen to try to restablish links with the community.

There are so many things to take into consideration its perhaps not surprising that the government seem reluctant to get involved. Families who have spent months worried about infection are now concerned what months of absence will have done to their relationships. Will Mum still recognise me? Why can't I give Dad a hug? Would it be better if I didn't see them? are three of the many questions going through peoples minds. To make matters more frustrating its clear there are no right or wrong answers. As the saying goes 'meet one person with Dementia and you've met one person with Dementia.' Everyone is different and will react differently. I don't particularly like the phrase Dementia Journey as it implies its a trip you signed up for which will end somewhere nice, but it will depend on each persons level of dementia as to whether a window visit will cause stress, confusion or be welcomed.

Once again families and friends will be left to make their own decisions helped by the expertise of carers hpoing that what they decide on is right. COVID-19 has changed so many aspects of our society already and we can only hope that the current problems face by the care sector lead to a brighter future.