COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Resources
Last update: March, 2021
With the health and safety of families living with dementia in mind, we have discontinued all of our in-person events until further notice. We have been working hard to generate online content, compile helpful resources, and are contacting families individually to check in. For regular updates please follow us on Facebook. To receive weekly updates via e-mail during this time, sign-up for our mailing list.
Download archived mailing list updates here.
Phone: (210) 450-8862
E-mail: UTcaregivers@UTHealthSA.org
Facebook: @UTcaregivers
Below are some tips and resources to support you during this time.
(new) Vaccine Registration
As of March 29, 2021, all adults in Texas can register for the COVID-19 vaccine. To schedule your vaccine at UT Health San Antonio, visit their website by clicking below.
Register for the COVID-19 Vaccine at UT Health SA
You may also register for the vaccine at other locations, including CVS Pharmacy. My Sister’s Keeper (MSK), a Texas-based women’s group who share information to improve health, have recorded a comprehensive video walk-through of the CVS registration process. You can access the tutorial with the link below.
Google Drive Folder
We will be regularly updating a public folder with resources for family caregivers during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis. Please check the file often at the link below. English and Spanish documents are available.
Google Drive Folder New documents added: November, 2020
City of San Antonio COVID-19 Updates
For updated local COVID-19 information, please visit the Metro Health District website. You can access frequently updated statistics, take a self-screening tool, and find testing locations in your area.
Be mindful when choosing a testing location – visit the City of San Antonio website for trusted testing sites.
Tips for caregivers of people living with dementia
» The Alzheimer’s Association has published guidance for family caregivers to support them in the home and in caring for individuals in assisted living facilities.
The San Antonio chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is hosting weekly virtual support groups for family caregivers on Tuesdays at 11am. To register, use the link below to enter the Community Resource Finder, open “Programs and Events”, select “Alzheimer’s Support Groups” to show support groups for all types of dementia, and type in your zipcode to view a complete list of virtual support groups.
Register for virtual support groups here or call 800-272-3900 to register by phone.
» Alzheimer’s Society has created a web-page with invaluable information, guidance, and links to resources to support caregivers and people living with dementia during stay-at-home orders. The Coronavirus has made a challenging situation much more difficult for many families living with dementia. This website offers some help.
Long-term care
» The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman’s first priority is the health and safety of residents. You can get information about COVID-19 by calling 2-1-1 and choosing Option 6.
If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1. If you have questions about COVID-19 and residents of nursing facilities and assisted living facilities, you can reach your local ombudsman by calling 1-800-252-2412. If you have urgent questions or concerns about COVID-19 in a nursing facility or assisted living facility, please call HHS Complaint and Incident Intake at 1-800-458-9858.
Directory of Texas Long-Term Care Ombudsman
» The Alzheimer’s Association has created a document for Emergency preparedness: Caring for persons living with dementia in a long-term or community-based care setting. It includes guidance for supporting persons living with dementia, keeping families and friends connected, strategies for responding to behaviors related to dementia, and assistance with activities of daily living.
COVID-19: Long-term & community-based care
» Families with individuals living in long term care (LTC) are likely struggling with restrictions on visits due to COVID-19. Arden Courts of San Antonio have compiled a helpful guide for families in this situation.
Arden Courts remote communication in LTC
» Activity planners and caregivers can utilize the resources provided by the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP) to engage individuals living in LTC both in-person and online with their loved ones. Guides for setting up virtual family visits are included on their site.
Other online resources
» The John A. Hartford Foundation has compiled a list of resources to help older adults, family caregivers, and health care providers navigate the COVID-19 crisis.
Hartford Foundation: COVID-19 list
» The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) is committed to continuing to support family caregivers through this time. Their resources for self care are particularly helpful for caregivers.
» AARP has published several highly informative articles and guidelines for older adults.
AARP: Latest Updates (English)
AARP: Últimos detalles (En español)
» The Respecting Choices organization has published a list of tools and guides for individuals and their families who are at highest risk for complications and death from COVID-19. Knowing the treatment preferences of your loved ones can help create a plan that limits uncertainty and aligns with what matters most to each individual.
Follow us on Facebook
Visit our Youtube for helpful videos
Oasis Caregiver Reassurance
Sign-up to receive check-in calls from San Antonio Oasis volunteers.
SIGN-UP HERE
COVID-19 CDC Guidelines
- Clean your hands often
- Avoid close contact
- Stay home if you’re sick
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Wear a facemask if you are sick and any time you leave the home
- Clean and disinfect areas
Outdoor activities
Local parks and trails are currently still open but masks and social distancing are mandatory.
