Emergency Preparedness: Caring for persons living with dementia in a long-term care community based setting

March 2020 | Alzheimer's Association and National Partners

“Emergency situations, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, present special circumstances in the delivery of care in long-term and community-based care settings. People receiving care or utilizing services in these settings are particularly vulnerable to complications due to their age and other concurrent medical conditions. Employees can also be affected in emergency situations. Maintaining operations in long-term and community-based care settings with the expected staffing shortages during any pandemic, epidemic or disaster can be very challenging. During this time, non-clinical staff may be needed to assist with care.”

This document released in collaboration with 34 long-term care and community-based care providers and affiliated associations. It identifies important care considerations and incorporates evidence-based strategies from the Alzheimer’s Association Dementia Care Recommendations to assist staff in long-term and community-based care settings during emergency situations. Many of the groups supporting the guidance document participate in the Alzheimer’s Association Dementia Care Provider Roundtable (AADCPR), a consortium of thought leaders from the dementia care provider industry including nursing homes, assisted living, and home and community-based services.