Living with dementia during the pandemic
Living with dementia at any time brings challenges for both people with dementia and the people who love and care for them. The recent changes to all our daily routines because of COVID-19 will make this much harder.
It is an unsettling time, and you may feel anxious, worried or lonely. But you are not alone – help is available.
Herbert Protocol
The Herbert Protocol can help the police to find someone who goes missing more quickly.
People who care for someone with dementia can fill out a form with details about the person including where the person grew up, favourite places, and a picture of the person with consent to share this on social media should it be required.
The form is then kept somewhere safe in the person’s household. If the person goes missing, the form helps police to quickly access important information to help find them. Find out more and download the form
Advice and practical tips
Support and advice from Alzheimer Scotland. This page includes information on advice and support Alzheimer Scotland can offer, including practical support.
Alzheimer Scotland guide. Includes tips for living well during lockdown.
Support and activities from Alzheimer’s Society. Includes information on supporting someone living with you at home, as well as supporting someone living alone, and supporting someone living at a distance.
Coming into Hospital Leaflet. A guide for people with dementia, families and carers designed to answer some of the
questions you may have about what will happen if you need hospital treatment for coronavirus or any other
health condition.Dementia Together. An interactive website designed by allied health professionals offering a space where people with dementia, family members and supporters can come together to share activity ideas and resources each week.
Speak to someone
During lockdown, The Edinburgh Carer Support Team is offering support for carers over the phone. To speak to them, call 0131 536 3371 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
The Alzheimer Scotland helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It provides information, signposting and emotional support to people with the illness, their families, friends and professionals. Call 0808 808 3000.
The Alzheimer’s Society forum is a place where you can connect with other people, share experiences and get peer advice and support.
Local activities
Raise the Curtain is a programme of online activities developed by Capital Theatres, including many dementia friendly groups and events.
Getting to know me form
If your friend or relative with dementia goes into hospital, or lives in a care home, the ‘Getting to know me’ form may help. It will give the people caring for your loved one important information about routines, interests, and likes and dislikes.
Adults with incapacity
Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000, provides ways to help safeguard the welfare and finances of people who lack capacity. Read more
If you need more general help and information about COVID-19, visit this page.