THE Alzheimer’s Society has issued the following advice to carers amid the coronavirus.

If you’re caring for a person living with dementia, you may be more worried about coronavirus.

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There are some things you can do to help prevent the person from catching any germs or viruses. If you need to self-isolate, there are also other ways to support the person with dementia.

• Check that they have handwash and hand sanitiser available – and that any visitors know to make use of it

• Clean things that are handled a lot, such as remote controls, door handles and taps

• If the person or their primary carer is self-isolating, you might help out with practical tasks. The person might need shopping dropped off, medicine collected or some library books left for them – ask how you can help

• Make sure the person has access to the medication they need. If you or the person with dementia is advised to self-isolate, speak to a GP or local pharmacist to make sure they will have a supply. Keep checking in to make sure they are continuing to take the right medication.

• Check that they know who to call if they get unwell – leave the number prominently displayed

• If the person is going to be stuck in doors for a while, encourage them to stay active and consider gentle exercises. Try to make sure they have activities that they can engage in at home as well; reading, magazines, jigsaws, music, knitting, their favourite TV/radio programmes available

• Keep in touch. If you can’t visit the person, then stay in contact by phone, post, email or Skype. Tell the person that you’re thinking of them and encourage others to do so as well.

• Make sure that they have our phone number so that they know that we are here to help.

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Alzheimer’s Society can answer all your questions about dementia. We can also give you tips if you find it difficult to follow the NHS advice about coronavirus. We cannot offer personalised medical advice. But we will direct you towards other reliable sources.

Call our support line on 0333 150 3456, or email Berkshire@alzheimers.org.uk or Oxford@alzheimers.org.uk or Aylesbury@alzheimers.org.uk.

If you’d like to connect and talk with other people affected by dementia, visit our online community Talking Point at https://forum.alzheimers.org.uk.