Connecting with a loved one with dementia during the pandemic

Connecting with loved ones from a safe distance.

The trials dementia patients and their families face during this pandemic.

Kimt dot com./// throughout this pandemic ?

"* family visits to assisted living centers have been restricted.

So how is limited interaction impacting those with alzheimer's or dementia?

Kimt news 3's isabella basco is finding out from a family in rochester.

She joins us now live ?

"* isabella?

Xxx here at river bend assisted living and memory care ?

"* one nurse tells me he's seen a rise in pushback from residents with alzheimer's or dementia.

They are more prone to agitation and are constantly asking for their family members.

I talked to one granddaughte r about how it's taken a toll.

Xxx nat: "it's not hot... in the sun it's warm but it feels nice."

At least once or twice a week... rebekah adams visits her grandmother... bebe jensen.

"she doesn't ask too much... she usually just asks about the weather."

Bebe is 93 and has dementia.

"i don't think she fully understands, i tell her sometimes but she doesn't really know."

Rebekah makes the effort to visit her... because bebe is almost all she has left.

"my mom was an only child and she passed away and then my dad passed away ten years ago so she's my only grandparent or parent figure."

While bebe struggles with memory loss... it doesn't break love between these two.

"i feel a real strong connection with her.

I've always been around her since i've been little.

I grew up with her being there like every day."

But for now ?

"* their bond must be kept from a distance.

"i don't know... it's it's hard.

I just try to remind myself that one day we'll get to see her and give her a hug."

And she's hoping that day comes soon.

"that's just how i kind of think about it, remind myself of that.

Bebe and rebekah's limited interaction is just one example of how keeping a distance can take a toll.

Nurse johann medina talks about the best ways you can maintain a connection during the pandemic.

"it's really important to make it as simple as possible, they are not able to process as much, use simple sentences like there is a virus going on.

We need to keep you safe."

That's what rebekah is doing for bebe: keeping her safe to allow her to see another day.

"she's one of the most important i talked to the executive director of river bend ?

"* he tells me he will they will implement the essential caregiver guidelines as soon as they can.

They have until july 25 to create a policy but right now ?

"* they are focusing on doing facility?

"* wide testing.

Live in rochester ib kimt news 3.

/// thank you isabella.

Zoom calls... patio or window visits are ways you can continue