If you need emergency services, please contact 000
Are you feeling burnt out? Consider aged care respite.
Looking for a rewarding career in aged care and ready to start now?
View our current retirement living homes for sale.
Search
Contact Us
Close
14 locations across Victoria
Principles of Montessori
Tailored to individual interests
All your questions answered
Government or privately funded
Government-funded support
Entry-level home care services
Launching 1 November 2025
Services to keep you independent
One on one care and support
Support to help you stay at home
Allied health support services
Everyone deserves a break
Connect with others
Help to access support services
If you care for someone, we’re here
Maintain your quality of life
Here for people of all ages
Take a break and have some fun
Get all your questions answered
Independent living for over 55s
Welcoming and safe communities
Everyone deserves a home
Our latest properties available
Inner Melbourne communities
Camberwell
Deepdene
Kew
Hawthorn
Toorak
Suburban communities
Clayton
Point Cook
Bacchus Marsh
Pakenham
Greensborough
Torquay
Friendly and welcoming villages
Kyneton
Trentham
Eltham
Brunswick West
Support for children and adults
Take a step to paid employment
Work at a cafe
Gardening and maintenance
Learn woodwork skills
Work at a VMCH Op Shop
Centre and community programs
Skills, confidence and friendships
For children and teenagers
Supported co-living
Accommodation across Victoria
In your home and community
Get the best out of your plan
For babies, children and young people
Allied health practice
Participate in everyday tasks
Better communication skills
Address challenging behaviours
Shop from our social enterprises
Coffee with purpose
Pieces handcrafted by participants
Buy pre-loved goods
Helping people with disability
Independence and support
Funding to achieve your goals
Help us improve
Menu
Back
Enter your search term below
15 April 2020
With physical distancing and self-isolation in place, this can be a highly emotional, and stressful time for many of us.
For those who are caring for a loved one with dementia, these restrictions may have made your carer role more difficult. With most regular respite and day community centres currently closed to slow the spread of COVID-19, many are now caring for their loved one within their own home.
Elizabeth Baxter, VMCH Dementia Services Specialist has put together some hints and tips for carers of a person living with dementia.
Practice good hygiene This goes without saying, for both yourself and the person with a dementia diagnosis. Try putting a ‘reminder notice’ around the house or a step-by-step guide on how to exercise effective hand hygiene. Ensure that you remind the person at regular intervals. However, always keep in mind that this may cause agitation. If so, you may need to adopt an alternative strategy for engaging in regular hand hygiene.
‘Change the goalposts’ This is in terms of expectations of yourself and your daily life. It is normal to be feeling additional stress, anxiety and concerns. It is important to reset your own expectations of your ability to continue in your caring role to the same standard that you have been prior to COVID-19, and social distancing restrictions.
Instead of cooking elaborate meals, aim for simple and nutritious meal ideas. If you lose your temper, allow yourself some kindness in recognising your feelings of stress or overwhelm. Also, try to take some time away for yourself whenever you have the opportunity to.
Use technology-based support Technology is a great way to maintain involvement in meaningful activities. There are so many innovative and wonderful apps available, including ‘A Better Visit’ which has been developed by Dementia Australia (only on Apple devices only).
Ensure you utilise various video chat programs such as Skype/WhatsApp/Messenger to connect with family and friends, especially with those you may usually see regularly.
YouTube and Spotify can also offer lots of opportunities for musical engagement and reminiscing – simply type in a favourite song and you can sing and dance along.
There are also online support groups, which can provide some guidance, ideas and a listening ear.
Get creative Try using some creative activities to maintain connection and interest with your loved ones. Walks, singing songs, painting, gardening, games, dancing and sensory activities are a great place to start. Also, keep an eye out on social media, there are often some very innovative ideas that are being thought of every day.
Limit your exposure of media coverage Limiting the amount of information that you view regarding the global situation. People with cognitive impairment may process this information as separate catastrophic global events which could exacerbate anxiety or worry.
Validate the person’s anxiety Provide reassurance. The closest family member is often a person of safety, reassurance and familiarity for the person with a diagnosis, so please be mindful to use extra patience in relieving anxieties. Try to use distraction or redirection if feelings of heightened stress arise from media coverage or a lack of routine. Games, internet-based activities or going for a walk are good ways to break the cycle if persistent thoughts are hard to disconnect from.
Be mindful of your own stress Your stress levels and wellbeing are also important. Your energy is felt by those around you and it’s important to look after your own mental health.
Access accurate information It’s important that you’re aware of your local restrictions as these do differ for each state. You can view current Victorian restrictions and local updates via https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/
Reminiscence activities:
Musical activities:
Physical activities:
Engagement activities
Sensory:
Please note, carers who are in receipt of the Carer Payment will receive a one-off payment of $750, as will those people receiving the Disability Support Pension or the Aged Pension.
External online resources: Australian Psychological Society (APS): Tips for coping with coronavirus anxiety Beyond Blue: Looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak Dr Russ Harris, physician and psychotherapist: How to respond effectively to the coronavirus (using the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) WHO: Mental health and psychosocial considerations during COVID-19 outbreak Ted article: “I’m incredibly anxious about coronavirus”
More news articles in At-Home Aged Care
Locating the information you need has become far easier with our useful guide. Answer a few simple questions and you will be on your way.
Not sure where to start?
Contact us
→
Who needs our services?
Our Digital & Marketing Agency - ID Digital Agency
Locating the information you need has become far easier with our useful guide.
Answer a few simple questions and you will be on your way.