COVID-19

Alzheimer’s WA is taking a proactive and cautious approach to COVID-19 (coronavirus) as our clients and carers may be in the high-risk category for the virus. Our priority is to protect our staff, our clients and their families and our visitors. We also know that what we do now can help stop the spread of the virus.

This is ever evolving and we are constantly monitoring the situation and taking advice from the Department of Health.

What have we done

Alzheimer’s WA has enacted a series of protocols to minimise the risk to our staff and clients. This includes restrictions for staff, or someone close to them, who have travelled in the last 14 days, has been potentially exposed to COVID-19 or is unwell. We are also taking extra precaution with clients and their families who have travelled, potentially been exposed or unwell including rescheduling if required. We are reducing visitors into our premises.

We are still here for Western Australians living with dementia

In this time of uncertainty, our focus is on continuing to support our clients and carers. Our services continue to ensure carers have a break and our clients have the opportunity to receive therapy, clinical support and socialisation.

We have a commitment to offer an alternative service for any services we are no longer able to run at this time.

As a community, we are being asked to physically distance ourselves but it is critical now, more than ever, we keep socially and emotionally connected and engaged.

Please call us on 1300 66 77 88 to discuss how we can support you and your family.

Resources for supporting people living with dementia

• Families: COVID-19 – Supporting people living with dementia
• Support Worker: COVID-19 – Supporting people living with dementia
• Online activities for a person living with dementia
• Tips to protect yourself while out in the community
• Helpful hints and assistance
• Alzheimer’s Disease International information and resources
• Try to and Avoid tips for caring for people living with dementia (Alzheimer’s Disease International)
• Online support groups (Dementia Alliance International)
• Join our Stay Connected campaign

Look after yourselves

The COVID-19 situation has created significant anxiety for the community and this can be especially impactful on our clients and carers.

While Coronavirus is very contagious 80% of people will experience mild to medium symptoms. However, people over 65 are considered high-risk and symptoms can be more severe. That is why we are taking extra precaution to minimise the spread of the virus to people most vulnerable to it.

You can reduce your risk by practising good hygiene and physical distancing

Good hygiene

• covering your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue
• disposing of tissues properly
• washing your hands often with soap and water, including before and after eating and after going to the toilet
• using alcohol-based hand sanitisers
• cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
• if you are sick, avoiding contact with others and staying more than 1.5 metres away from people

Physical distancing

• staying at home when you are unwell
• avoiding large public gatherings if they’re not essential
• keeping a distance of 1.5 metres between you and other people whenever possible
• minimising physical contact, especially with people at higher risk such as older people and people with existing health conditions

Communications

• Message from Alzheimer’s WA Chairperson  (24 March 20)
• Current protocols (as of 3 June 2020)
• Our Way Forward – Alzheimer’s WA Roadmap

COVID-19 Resources

• National Coronavirus Helpline or call 1800 020 080
• How to wash hands (video)
• How to hand rub with sanitizer (video)
• Department of Health: Fact Sheet for Older Australians
• Department of Health: Identifying the Symptoms
• Department of Health resources