We know that staying active and getting outside is important for our health and wellbeing, but this can be difficult when we are told to stay at home. We have produced a helpsheet developed for people with dementia and their carers. The document provides ideas and suggestions on how to stay active both in and outside the home. 

During the current COVID-19 pandemic, older Australian’s are more susceptible to getting sick from the disease. The Australian Government is advising “social distancing” to reduce contact with others as much as possible. There may come a time when we are asked to stay home for an extended period to reduce the risk of catching or spreading the disease.

Many people living with dementia are over the age of 80 years old and are being cared for at home by their partner.

“Having to stay at home due to COVID-19 will mean that normal routines will need to change, and this can be confusing and distressing for the person with dementia and their carer,” says Associate Professor Colm Cunningham.

“This helpsheet gives people who care for a person with dementia in their home a list of suggested activities that can help with not getting too bored and maintaining some activity.”  

The document is designed as a prompt for what can be done in the home environment. The carer will know the person with dementia and their likes, dislikes and ability and can change the activities to suit the person.

The helpsheet has been adapted from the resource Helping someone with dementia stay active at home if you can’t go out due to Coronavirus, produced by Dignity in Dementia, UK.