Lifeline to outside world helps man living with dementia keep in touch with loved ones during lockdown

A Wrexham man living with dementia has been keeping in touch with his loved ones via social media thanks to an initiative aimed at combating social isolation during the pandemic.

Coronavirus has meant that everyone has been deprived of valuable face-to-face time with family and friends.

Amongst those who have been worst hit are people living with dementia.

For Gino Vianello and his wife Caterina, of Ruabon, near Wrexham, it has been a particularly testing time.

Gino, 84, who was diagnosed with dementia six years ago, has found it upsetting not being able to see his extended family since lockdown began.

However, thanks to Alzheimer’s Society Cymru and Wrexham Council, he is now able to stay in touch via social media.

As part of an initiative launched by the North Wales Regional Partnership Board to combat social isolation, Gino and Caterina have been provided with an iPad which they are now using to maintain contact with family in the UK and Italy.

Caterina, 81, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have been given the iPad – Gino took to it immediately.

“It’s wonderful to see him light up when he is able to see family on Facebook. It is definitely helping us to cope with lockdown.”

One in four of all Covid-19 deaths have been linked to dementia, making those living with the condition the worst hit by the pandemic.

Meanwhile, a recent survey by Alzheimer’s Society revealed more than three quarters (78%) of respondents affected by dementia said the coronavirus pandemic has made them feel more lonely or isolated than before.

The charity has responded by reaching out to those in need with regular welfare calls to check on their wellbeing. Dementia Advisers have made more than 90,600 such calls since the start of the crisis. People can also call Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456.

Caterina and Gino, who have been married 59 years, came to live in the UK more than 30 years ago.

They ran the Oddfellows Arms in Chester for 13 years before moving to Ruabon, where they were mine hosts at the former Great Western Inn, a building that has now become their home.

They have three sons and four grandchildren living in the UK, as well as family in and around Venice, Italy.

Caterina added: “Gino also has respiratory problems as a result of having COPD, so he only gets to see his family when they are able to visit us, which isn’t possible at the moment.

“That’s why the iPad is making such a difference – it’s keeping him connected to family members.”

Amanda Parry, a Dementia Adviser at Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, was instrumental in securing the iPad for the couple and stays in regular contact herself to ensure they’re coping.

She said: “I’m really thrilled to hear that Gino has taken so well to the iPad.

“He is also using an app on the iPad where he can complete crosswords in Italian. This is very important to Gino in keeping him mentally stimulated and taking part in activities during the Covid 19 restrictions.”