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As a social worker who’s worked with people with dementia for well over a decade, one of the main concerns I repeatedly hear from family members and caregivers is about oven and stove safety. I recently spoke with the grandchild of a woman with dementia who used the stovetop to iron her sheets. She started a fire. Luckily, everyone was safe, but this prompted the granddaughter to get more help in the home to ensure it didn’t happen again. 

This can be a scary situation, and it’s important to support the independence of someone with dementia while also balancing their safety (and the safety of others in the building). What if cooking brings joy to someone with dementia? Can we provide a safer kitchen set-up that still supports their love of cooking?

New York State remains among the lowest COVID-19 positivity rates in the nation. See all 50 states’ positivity rates on a 7-day rolling average here.  

Travel Advisory Update

Unfortunately, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania have positivity rates above the percentage that requires a 14-day quarantine. The New York State Department of Health understands that quarantine may not be practical when returning from these states due to our interconnectedness, but travel to these states is strongly discouraged. All states included in New York State’s COVID-19 travel advisory require a 14 day quarantine period. The list changes frequently and is accessible here. 

by Jodie Berman, MS, CTRS and Grace Townley-Lott, LMSW

Studies show that social engagement combats cognitive decline, while prolonged isolation and loneliness accelerate it. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has interrupted our usual social engagement routines. Those with dementia have been hit especially hard by this isolation.

Luckily, we live in a time where we can turn to virtual social engagement. Virtual programs can provide routine and support to those with dementia while giving their caregivers some respite. However, this pivot to virtual has its own challenges for participants and instructors alike. 

This year, getting vaccinated against the flu is more important than ever. Annual flu shots protect us against the three or four influenza virus strains that have been determined to be the most common during the upcoming flu season. The influenza (flu) shot is a vaccine given with a needle, usually in the arm, and is the best way to protect yourself and others from contracting the flu each year.

As the Coronavirus has ravaged our nation's nursing homes, it's also exacerbated a problem many residents already faced: isolation. As a previous nursing home social worker, I've seen the positive impact of visitors, whether they were families, friends, or entertainers. Visitors brought smiles to our residents' faces, and the good feelings remained long after visitors left. 

New York is enjoying a significant decrease in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations. True Care encourages everyone to continue to carefully follow all infection control precautions and social distancing. We want to remind everyone to remain vigilant so we can continue to see an improvement in the number of COVID-19 infections.