Virtual special issue – Using touchscreen tablets for virtual connection

Abstract

People with dementia are at high risk during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Many people with dementia live alone in the community or with another older person. The closure of the coffee shop and business stores can disrupt social routines. Social distancing is necessary to reduce the chance of spreading the infection. Still, it can have severe implications for the mental health of people who may feel lonely and isolated. People with dementia in nursing homes or hospitals may feel confused, abandoned, anxious, and sad when they are not allowed to have visitors. Emotional distress can lead to responsive behaviors and the use of chemical and physical restraints as confinement and restraints would have adverse effects on physical, social, and emotional well-being. Families and friends may feel helpless as they cannot enter the care facilities to offer reassurance and support. Social and psychological support for people living with dementia and their families is urgently needed globally.Physical distancing is not social isolation. Technology can help people with dementia reach their family and friends. For example, in our preparation for this editorial, we had coffee together over the Zoom meeting, and Mann has been using FaceTime for Happy Hours with friends. Touchscreen tablets can be used to support social connections. Video chats allow people to speak and see how everyone is doing and stay connected. Applications (apps) available through the tablets can offer activities not only for positive distraction, but also to maintain health and well-being. There is a growing body of evidence that the use of iPads and other touchscreen tablets can contribute to supporting people with dementia and their carers.

Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on well-being and virtual care for people living with dementia and care partners living in the community

“…Other possible remote support for people living with dementia and families include virtual social networking, including virtual dementia cafes or day programming moving to online interaction (Hung & Mann, 2020). Where this is not possible, telephone check-ins may also prove to be a valuable source of support for the mental health and needs assessment for families.…”

“An animated socialization without substance:” experiences of persons living with dementia through the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Participants took up new hobbies and exercise to release their anxieties. Further, technology served as a means for people to stay in contact with friends and family and has been reported as a helpful way for persons living with dementia to stay connected ( Hung & Mann, 2020 ). Memory cafes have been one way for persons living with dementia to stay connected prior to COVID-19.…”