Guidance for medically vulnerable people
The government has published guidance for people who are considered extremely medically vulnerable to coronavirus, asking them to stay at home and avoid all non-essential contact for at least 12 weeks. This includes children and should also be understood by the friends, family members and carers of those who are medically vulnerable. People who fall into this category will be directly contacted by letter to advise them of the extra measures to take.
Read the Government Guidance here
Guidance for people affected by Dementia
Living with dementia at any time brings everyday challenges for the person and those around them. Coronavirus is making daily life much harder. You may feel anxious, scared or lonely. But you are not alone – help is available.
You can find further help and resources at:
- The Dementia UK website: https://www.dementiauk.org/get-support/coronavirus-covid-19/ to support you during this time.
- The Alzheimer’s society: Wigan local service – Call 01942 247837 or email wigan@alzheimers.org.uk
- The Alzheimer’s Society: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/coronavirus-covid-19#content-start – Call 0333 150 3456
- The Lewy Body Society: https://www.lewybody.org/ – Call 01942 914000 or email: info@lewybody.org
General Guidance Available
- Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre is closed but they have a telephone service support line open 7 days per week. They have support workers and contact details of local services they can put you in touch with or offer a listening ear over the phone. You can call the centre on 01942 705959
- Wigan Council have set up a dedicated helpline for vulnerable residents in self-isolation. This is to help people who do not have support from family or friends and may be struggling to get food and supplies. If you require support, please call Wigan Council on 01942 489018 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 8am-12.30pm).
- This is a live database from Wigan Council with food banks and local businesses offering food deliveries to help the most vulnerable residents in Wigan
- Age UK give some step-by-step instructions on how to keep in touch using a video call using different devices – some of these include video demonstrations that make things clearer. For practical information and advice, call Age UK Advice: 0800 169 65 65
- The Silver Line is a free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. For a cheerful chat, day or night, call Silver Line: 0800 470 80 90.
- The UK chief medical officer’s guidelines recommend twice weekly strength and balance training for adults of all ages. Exercises you can do at home, depending on ability, during a time of self-isolation can be found here.
- Whilst you are spending time at home because of coronavirus, it is also really important to take care of your mental health. Click here for tips on how to keep on top of your mental wellbeing and manage some of the feelings you may be experiencing whilst at home.
- There is also Government guidance for anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who cannot cope without their support.
