‘I don’t mind if she doesn’t know me,’ says 70-year-old Hong Kong man caring for wife with dementia
- Dementia patients and their carers struggle to cope as pandemic measures disrupt daily routines
- Unable to mix with others, some become stressed, depressed, and display behavioural problems
After taking care of his wife the whole day, Lam Man-hing, 70, finally has a little time to himself before bedtime.
He browses the news, checks messages from friends on his smartphone and watches some television, with his wife Tang Siu-man, 74, asleep by his side.
He checks on her from time to time, and keeps the TV volume low to avoid disturbing her.
In the morning, like every day, she might not remember him.
Tang has Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive form of dementia that begins with forgetfulness and mild memory loss, eventually leading to the inability to recognise loved ones or carry out daily activities.
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected patients like Tang and their carers. The couple’s routine used to include regular outings from their home in Tsuen Wan to Tsim Sha Tsui, or taking part in activities at community centres.
But with many service centres closed since the Lunar New Year holiday to slow the spread of the coronavirus, the couple have had to stay at home most of the time.