C.3
Tackling Loneliness and Social Isolation for Residents with Dementia: Strategies for Care Providers

During normal times, individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias are among the most vulnerable persons in society, depending on family or professional caregivers for their day to day survival. The current pandemic further exacerbates their vulnerability, due to both the morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 and the indirect effects of the pandemic on the social supports upon which they depend.  For those who have Alzheimer’s or dementia, social connection means everything and social distancing is a difficult concept for them to understand; persons with dementia are disproportionately affected by social distancing, isolation and lockdown. 

How can we help? Caregivers and nursing home staff play a pivotal role in minimizing social isolation, loneliness, depression, and behaviors in persons with dementia.  Isolation does not need to equal decline!  This session will review practical and cost-effective strategies care providers can implement to impact these areas.  Following the frameworks of person-centered care and the Montessori Approach to care, providers will hear about meaningful and purposeful activity, sensory, technology, and wellness strategies they can implement to mitigate the potentially harmful effects of isolation. 

Objectives:

1. Describe the scope of the problem related to isolation for residents with dementia
2. Identify practical approaches to implement person-centered care initiatives while in isolation
3. Explain how elements of the Montessori approach can minimize behaviors and enhance functional performance while in isolation

Kathleen Weissberg, Education Director, Select Rehab
Kathleen Weissberg, (MS in OT, 1993; Doctoral 2014) in her 25+ years of practice, has worked in LTC as a researcher/educator and has established various programs in nursing facilities including palliative care, adult sexuality, falls management, dementia care and staging. She provides continuing education support to 6000 therapists nationwide as Director of Education for Select Rehabilitation. She has lectured nationally (Pioneer Network), at the state level, and authored publications on dementia quality care.