Reducing isolation and promoting coping for carers of people living with dementia during current restrictions on social activities

Newcastle University currently have two FREE online courses (MOOCs) available which may help you to feel supported and connected to others if you face restrictions on contact and self-isolation during the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Dementia Care: Living Well as Dementia Progresses is an award winning course that teaches you how to prepare for the future by learning to understand dementia as it progresses and how to seek support.

Dementia Care: Staying Connected and Living Well is also an award winning course to help carers stay connected to loved ones, manage stress at home and defuse difficult situations.

These courses may help you to:

• Stay connected to others. You may feel less isolated if you can stay in touch with others. Whilst face to face contact may not be possible, you can post comments about your feelings and experiences about supporting someone living with dementia. This will keep you in contact with other carers who may be in a similar situation and also health and social care professionals who can also share advice or support. Family, friends and neighbours may also find the course useful to support carers if they are unable to visit in person.

• Access useful tips and hints on taking care of yourself and the person you support. Our articles and videos may help you to think about your own needs as carers and how you might cope. The articles also signpost to a range of online resources and helplines which you may find useful for further information and support.

You can sign up if you have access to a PC, tablet or smartphone. If not, a relative, friend or professional may be able to help.

To sign up, please follow the links below: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/comfort-care https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/dementia-care