NADRC is hosting a free webinar series on COVID-19 and
dementia. Each webinar will focus on organizations that have pivoted
their service delivery systems to continue serving and supporting
people living with dementia and their caregivers during the pandemic.
Providing
In-person Services and Supports to People Living with Dementia during
COVID-19
At the onset of COVID-19, most but not all community-based
in-person services for people living with dementia and their caregivers
were suspended. During this webinar, two providers will discuss how
their organizations used innovative approaches to ensure people living
with dementia continue to receive needed services through traditional
means during COVID-19. Nevada Senior Services adult day center has
remained open, providing services at two locations, albeit with strict
policies in place to reduce the chance of spreading COVID-19. Ventura
County Area Agency on Aging adjusted home delivered meals to include
all clients who live alone with dementia and those with intellectual
disabilities and dementia. Multiple phone check ins and respite care
further assist.
Presenters:
Victoria Jump, Ventura County Area Agency on Aging
Jeffrey Klein, Nevada Senior Services
Using
Technology to Provide Services to People Living with Dementia and Their
Caregivers during COVID-19
This webinar will provide examples of programs that use
technology to provide continuity of services. Wisconsin’s United
Community Center’s Mobile Memory Clinic adopted HIPAA-compliant
telemedicine platforms to complete client assessments. Taking
appropriate precautions, program staff deliver sanitized computers and
Wi-Fi hotspot units to clients and complete assessments remotely with
the client and caregiver. Houston’s Amazing Place implemented the
evidence-based Savvy Caregiver program, an in-person intervention prior
to COVID-19. Staff developed protocols focused on program fidelity as
they shifted to an online platform where caregivers continue to benefit.
Presenters:
Vanessa Anciani, United Community Care, Inc.
Sharon Cantrell, Amazing Place
Maintaining
Services and Supports for People Living with Dementia and their
Caregivers during COVID-19
COVID-19 presents unique challenges to persons living with
dementia and their caregivers. Advanced age, underlying conditions, and
cognitive decline put them at a greater risk of contracting the virus.
Supportive services are essential for people living with dementia and
their caregivers. This webinar will highlight the work of two ACL
grantees that pivoted to continue caring for clients in innovative
ways. Maria Ordonez will discuss methods used to continue adult day
services and provide telehealth. Christine Jensen will share adjusted
procedures used to continue work of a geriatric assessment clinic.
Presenters:
Christine Jensen, Ph.D., Director, Health Services Research,
Riverside Center for Excellence in Aging and Lifelong Health
María Ordóñez, DNP, APRN, GNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, CDP, FAANP, FAAN,
Director, Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center,
FAU Memory Disorder Clinic Coordinator, Alzheimer’s Disease
Initiative
