TALLAHASSEE -- The head of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs says he's concerned about a striking impact of the COVID-19 pandemic... mental health problems related to the isolation of Floridians in nursing homes, particularly those with dementia. They can't receive visits from family members or friends under the emergency orders of Governor DeSantis.
Richard Prudom says social distancing has also made it challenging to provide services to this population. Over half of Florida's nursing home population suffers from various forms of dementia.
Prudom says the COVID-19 pandemic has also disrupted routines for patients with dementia.
The Elder Affairs secretary says one way he's fighting back is providing a technology platform, with tablets allowing long term care residents to communicate with family members and doctors on the outside. Prudom says these tablets are very intuitive and can store personal profiles for each user. He says the program has been launched in 150 facilities, with plans to bring it to 150 more in Phase Two.
Prudom's department has been involved in VITAL, a program to bring more access to technology for long term care patients and caregivers.
Prudom told a virtual town hall meeting run by the Alzheimer's Association that this technology should remain in place after the pandemic, to help nursing home residents stay in touch between visits.
The secretary says the virtual technology platform could help other dementia patients stay at home and meet their needs, including telehealth consultations with medical professionals.
"I was talking to an individual living with early-onset Alzheimers, who said to me, 'the last thing I want... is to go into a doctor's office and wait... I would much rather sit at home and be able to interact with my physician...'"
Prudom says officials are preparing for another pandemic of mental health issues as the effects of social isolation are felt.
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