Authors (including presenting author) :
Au LML (1), O WN (1), Hui SC (1), Kong SO (1), Lo SY (1), Man TSD (1), Wu YKA (1), Shun KW (1), Lui SF (1)
Affiliation :
Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
Introduction :
There has been significant psychosocial impact on people with dementia and their carers during the COVID-19 pandemic. They lost vital support offered by the community as they were suggested to stay at home to minimize cross-infection and elderly community service being suspended. Regarding the caregivers, they have lost the respite service offered by day hospitals and daycare centers. A survey by Alzheimer’s Society in July 2020, the major effects on demented older-adult during the pandemic were increasing difficulty concentration, memory loss and agitation. Therefore, a pilot program “Learn from Home Service” via Zoom was conducted by Psychogeriatric Day Hospital (PGDH) nurses of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) to continue patient engagement and cognitive stimulation training.
Objectives :
The objectives of this clinical project are to identify and appraise the availability and effectiveness of the service. It evaluated the effectiveness of cognitive functioning preserved on clients with dementia, amelioration of carers’ stress and participants’ satisfaction. It hopes that clients can stay engaged and connected during pandemic.
Methodology :
Pilot program was conducted from August to October 2020. It provided daily (Monday to Friday) online face-to-face lessons to older-adult with dementia and their caregivers. Contents include reality orientation, physical exercise, cognitive training (use worksheets) and recreation program like singing, DIY handcrafts. All learning materials were sent to participants by post. Total of 10 patients (5M and 5F) and 5 caregivers were participated. All patients were diagnosed dementia and progressed to mild cognitive impairment (Level 3) based on the Global Deterioration Scale (1982). HK-MoCA-5Min and Caregiver Stress Check were adopted for baseline assessment and post intervention evaluation. A satisfaction survey with free-text opinion was also conducted at the last lesson for the two parties.
Result & Outcome :
Findings revealed patients’ cognitive functioning was largely preserved and there was no significant declination of HK-MoCA-5Min score. The caregiver’s stress level was decreased remarkably and positive feedback was obtained from all participants. Lots of them reported “they felt supported”, “increased communication with family” and “parent appeared smarter and more engaged to recent news”. Some participants expressed the wish of regularizing (continuing) the service even after service resumption of PGDH.
To conclude, despite anticipated difficulties like patients and carers requiring assistance for electronic device or software, the pilot program could still be implemented. In November 2020, we are pleased to announced the Service is regularizing and hope that more patients can participate.
