The Impact of Covid-19 on Long-term Care Facilities in South Africa with a specific focus on Dementia Care

• Despite the relatively low levels of mortality from the virus, the constant focus on infections and deaths has contributed to high levels of fear and anxiety, as well as to the stigmatising of people who have tested positive for the virus. [...] It is of concern that, knowing that Covid-19 disproportionally affects older people, and having seen the devastation the disease has wrought in the elder care sector in other countries, the DSD, the national government department responsible for the sector, does not appear to be communicating statistics on infections and deaths in elder care facilities in South Africa. [...] ltccovid.org | STRiDE South Africa – The Impact of Covid-19 on Dementia Care in South Africa 20 • Lockdown has had the most adverse effects on residents in the early stages of dementia, who struggle to understand the changes to routine and the lack of visits. [...] ACTIONS • Efficient reporting and governance are needed to enable the rapid deployment of resources and support, and to inform realistic planning and effective management of the developing Covid-19 situation in the LTC sector. [...] Prioritize the emotional well-being of people receiving and providing LTC services during the pandemic THE ISSUES • With most LTCFs having gone into early lockdown, and with the peak of infections only starting to be reached about three months later, people within the sector are having to face the greatest challenges at a time when many are exhausted, and when the lockdown levels are being relaxed.