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New

Strategies

for

Dementia

Community

Life in the last year has been
one of great adaptation. For
those living with dementia, research validates the use of smartphone
dementia community was even more vital. and digital technology.3
Research is showing that the isolation many As we have pivoted to virtual and
experienced increased cognitive decline. telephone education, support and
Necessity made us adapt. engagement, we have been able to meet

For many of us, our adaptation involved more frequently and more easily. What
combatting isolation with online and was at first surprising and awkward,
telephone resources. Out of necessity, we became second nature. As dementia stages
were able to pivot to continue our outreach advance, the ability to “get out the door”
and interconnection. This gave us flexibility had become more challenging. The coaxing,
in frequency and availability. the prep with grooming, timing, medication
had prevented many from reaching out
Research shows that online education and for the health that education, support and
cognitive behavior therapy improve the
mental health of dementia caregivers.1 engagement offer. With the new virtual and
telephone strategies took much of those
This is borne out in a recent publication
of Brain & Life: “By switching to virtual obstacles off the table.
events, we have reached a population that In the words of one virtual support group
may have been overlooked before. ‘We’ve member, “The virtual world has helped
filled a niche we didn’t know was there, those of us who are often isolated in
even without COVID”.2 Even telemedicine our homes,” Ogden says. “I like feeling

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