Episode 9: Caregiving During COVID-19
May 6, 2020
Certified Elder Law Attorney Barbara McGinnis and Elder Care Coordinator Debra King discuss caregiving in the age of COVID-19.
More Resources
Care Through Conversation
The Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability (TCAD) offers a COVID-19 initiative called Care Through Conversation, targeting adults over the age of 60. People who sign up will receive a weekly call from a TCAD volunteer. During these calls, the volunteer will check-in, assess the older adult's needs, and see if there is any way TCAD can better assist the individual. At minimum, the volunteers will conduct one call a week, but the individual can request more if needed. For more information, go to https://www.tn.gov/aging/our-programs/care-through-conversation.html.
Alzheimer's Tennessee Resources
Alzheimer's Tennessee provides the follow resources to people in Tennessee and Southwest Virginia:
24/7 Helpline. Access this gateway to services and support at (800) ALZ-GATE, or (800) 259-4283. During regular business hours, local staff members of Alzheimer's Tennessee provide helpline support statewide.
Weekly Virtual Support Group for Family Caregivers to connect via telephone, as dozens of person-to-person support groups are currently suspended. Plan to connect on Mondays at 1 p.m. CST/2 p.m. EST. For details visit www.alztennessee.org/support-groups
The online Caregiver Academy is available anytime at www.alzTennessee.org/academy and provides short, 3 to 5-minute videos on communication, behaviors, bathing, sundowning and a host of other topics for caregivers. Thousands of caregivers have viewed and benefited from this educational resource.
For those persons with a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment or early stage Alzheimer's, we are transitioning to weekly telephone/online Memory Cafés. Connect with others who have a diagnosis and are navigating life.
The NEW Statewide Memory Café is scheduled for Tuesdays at 10 a.m. CST/11 a.m. EST.
The Knox Regional Memory Café will connect on Thursdays at 10 a.m. EST.
For details about how to call in or join Memory Cafés online, call 1 (800) 259-4283.
www.alztennessee.org
CDC Website Resources
To find tips for staying healthy and maintaining well-being during the coronavirus outbreak, the CDC website is being continually updated.
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) is available around the clock, 365 days a year. Through this free service, specialists and master’s-level clinicians offer confidential support and information to people living with the disease, caregivers, families and the public. www.alz.org
Caregiving during Coronavirus
Johns Hopkins offers tips for caregivers at this website: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/coronavirus-caregiving-for-the-elderly.
If You Need Extra Help...
If you have questions about the process of aging, it can be useful to work with an elder law attorney. At Takacs McGinnis Elder Care Law, we specialize in helping clients and their families navigate the many twists and turns that can occur during the long-term care journey. We can help you, too. Just give us a call at 615-824-2571.