Top Tips from Carers and Professionals during Covid-19 Pandemic

I dealt with the worry that someone in the house might catch covid by making sure everyone sanitised when they came into the house, or touched something outside the house, and ensured that everyone wore masks when they went outside.

Top thoughts

• Wear masks and put some sanitizers in the hall/entrance

• Keep social distancing

• Get vaccinated

• Ask visitors to take lateral flow tests (LFT) prior to visiting

• Talk to your partner

• Don't be afraid to reach out to family

• Try and keep a routine, do what you normally do

• Do things together

• Use support services

More useful thoughts

Carers reported feeling overwhelmed and exhausted; a feeling of being on constant alert psychologically to the risks of their loved one getting covid and perhaps dying from it. There could be a sense of frustration and anger that other people simply didn't understand the risks and weren't being 'careful enough'.

Top thoughts

• There's a circle of care. Don't place yourself outside of it

• Carve some time out for yourself

• Check in with yourself and trust your own boundaries. If something doesn't feel safe, it's okay to say, that's not going to work for me.

• Do something that you really enjoy

• It's okay for you to get support

More useful thoughts

Whilst restrictions are easing for most of those around us we still are very mindful of those we are caring for so continue to take Covid precautions and don’t be afraid to ask those around you to do the same. 

Top thoughts

• Meet people outside when possible

• Wear a mask in public places or when meeting indoors with people you don’t live with

• Avoid crowds

• Continue with good hand washing/hand sanitising

• Keep rooms well ventilated if you have guests at home

• You and your household can carry out regular self-testing for covid with lateral flow tests

• If anyone has symptoms of covid they should follow government testing guidelines

• Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals and drink enough water

• Try to get enough rest and sleep

• Do some things you enjoy

Self-help techniques

Aside from vaccination, the most effective way to prevent COVID-19 is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes it. People at high risk for developing serious illness from COVID-19 can help protect themselves by limiting contact with other people as much as possible and by taking precautions to prevent getting COVID-19 when they do interact with others.

Top Thoughts

• Get a COVID-19 vaccination

• Wear a well-fitting mask that covers your nose and mouth

• Stay 6 feet away from people who don’t live with you

• Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available

• Cover coughs and sneezes

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily

• Be alert for symptoms of COVID-19

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