19/09/2021
Many of you know I work as a private practice dietitian, but what you may not know is that I am also an aged care dietitian, and I visit multiple residential aged care facilities around Sydney. These pictures of me were taken on the job, in PPE gear. It can be challenging at times working in aged care dressed like this because many of the residents I see have dementia and hearing loss so communication can be really tricky. My voice is muffled by the mask, and my facial expressions and lips are hidden.
During COVID lockdown, visitors other than essential workers are usually not able to enter an aged care facility, except in extenuating circumstances, and this means that residents are not able to see their loved ones. This can be very confusing and upsetting for some residents, particularly those with dementia. Loss of appetite, weight loss, anxiety, a decline in overall wellbeing, as well as malnutrition, are some of the consequences of the necessary restrictions, and that is despite the wonderful work of the care staff.
This week is Dementia Action Week, so if you know someone living with dementia, reach out to them to let them know you’re thinking of them. If you’re not in lockdown, spending some time with them can make a big difference to their physical and emotional wellbeing.
More information on Dementia can be found here: https://bit.ly/dementia-action-week