Councils: Will you commit to better connecting families affected by dementia during COVID-19?

Despite new guidance, we’ve heard from families affected by dementia who are still gravely concerned about how visiting in care homes is working.

Policies developed by care home providers do not always consider the complex nature of dementia and whether social distanced visits meet the needs of care home residents living with dementia.

The pandemic has caused too much devastation for people affected by dementia. Families must be better connected and involved in the care of their loved ones. 

We are asking councils to hear the concerns of families affected by dementia during Covid-19 and commit to better connecting them with their loved ones. You can read the commitment and find out more about how to sign up to it below.

Our commitment for Councils to back

With 70% of care home residents nationwide having some form of dementia, we are putting in place the appropriate steps, which recognise the unique needs of people affected by dementia, to reopen care homes to visitors and offer them the support they need to do this safely.

We will: 

• Support care homes in enabling nominated visitors to play their part as equal partners in promoting the health and well-being of the resident. 

• Support care homes to ensure all changes to care home visitor policies take into consideration the needs of people affected by dementia, ensuring loved ones have ways of staying in touch with care home residents. 

• Support care homes in providing regular and clear communication with loved ones about the resident’s well-being and care home visiting policies.

• Support care homes in sharing practical advice and guidance on preparing loved ones before and after visits. 

• Work with primary care and support teams to prioritise regular care reviews, putting in place the right support to meet the assessed needs of people with dementia.