Care Homes: Dementia

(asked on 6th May 2020) - View Source

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 29 April 2020 to Question 34959, what assessment he has made of the effect of social isolation on the progression of dementia symptoms for care home residents living with that condition; and if he will make a statement.


Answered by
Helen Whately Portrait
Helen Whately
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
This question was answered on 15th May 2020

We do not expect isolation to accelerate the progression of dementia in itself, but we are taking action to minimise the effects of isolation on residence and care staff. This includes commissioning research on the best ways to mitigate the psychological and social impact of COVID-19 on people with dementia living in the community and their family carers. Work has already started on this research.

In addition, the Department has produced a range of guidance to support people during the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to review the need for further guidance including specific guidance on the care of people with dementia, informed by the views of stakeholders.

Reticulating Splines