Caring for Someone with Covid at Home

While there is a great deal of information about how to keep isolated and try to protect yourself from contracting this terrible virus, there isn't as much guidance for those who are caring for someone at home who has a positive diagnosis. So many vulnerable adults and children needed daily care and assistance prior to this outbreak and can't be left alone and isolated. Here are some things you can do to stay as safe as possible while continuing to help with their daily needs.

Limit contact as much as possible. This is challenging for sure but you should try to place them in a designated space, preferably a separate room with a door that can be closed at all times. Make sure they have things they need at arms reach such as water, tissues, medications if they are able to administer them independently and other items to make them comfortable and keep them entertained. If living in a climate that allows it, keep a window somewhat open for ventilation. If it is possible, a separate bathroom for them to use is best.

When you do need to enter the room, wear a mask and gloves and put on a bathrobe that you keep inside the room and take off before exiting the room to prevent the spread of the virus to the rest of the household. Keep items inside the room such as thermometers, paper dishes and utensils and other things needed on a regular basis. Take disposable items out of the room in a securely closed trash bag and take them directly outside of the home and to the trash can or dumpster outside. Put dirty linens in a trash bag inside the room and close it securely before taking it to the laundry area. Do not shake out the laundry and wear gloves when handling it. Dry the linens on high heat if possible. After washing the sheets, wipe down anything they touched with bleach solution.

Do not allow visitors. Family members may want to come and visit but it's important to limit contact. Phone calls and virtual visits will have to suffice. There are many ways to conduct virtual social interactions such as FaceTime, Skype, Zoom and other free applications. This is one of the most difficult things about this disease both for the person diagnosed and those who love them. Make sure they are still able to feel connected even though they are at a physical distance. Encourage family members and other loved ones to send cards, letters and even signs that can be put up for them to see them and know that they are loved. A great way to keep family and loved ones updated is to use a website like alska where you can also keep track of important things like their temperature, heart rate, oxygen saturations and medications. There are also virtual support groups for caregivers and family as well as one on one virtual advocacy support if you need additional guidance on managing this crisis.

Wash your hands, a lot. I know we have all heard this over and over but it really is the simplest and most important thing you can do. Wash thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Here is a great video to show you the proper technique. Also, wipe down surfaces all around your home more often they you usually do. Despite our best efforts to isolate the virus, it is highly contagious so be vigilant about cleaning and wiping down surfaces. Make sure anyone else who lives in the household is also adhering to the "new rules." Put up reminder signs if need be.

Take care of yourself and monitor your own health. Take your own temperature daily and be aware of symptoms that may indicate infection. The CDC has a symptom checker that can be very useful in helping you know as early as possible if you or anyone in your household also becomes sick. Try to keep your stress level in check. I know that is easier said than done but it is vital to staying healthy. Here are some other things you can do to stay as healthy as possible:

• Eat nutritious food
• Get outside when and if you can even for a few minutes every day while keeping a distance from others.
• Get a support system in place and check in with them regularly either over the phone or virtually.
• If you need additional help, reach out. There are virtual counseling services such as Talkspace and Betterhelp that are often covered by insurance. Here is a list of crisis services to reach out to if things become too much and you are feeling very overwhelmed.
• Mind your spiritual health. If you have a religious or other spiritual practice in place, continue on with it. If you are curious about focusing more on your spiritual health, now might be a great time to read some books or do research on things you have heard of or been curious about. Talk to friends about what their beliefs are and what helps them get through difficult times.

You can get through this with the right support and resources. Your role is vitally important to the person you are caring for but don't lose yourself in the process.

Michelle Chaffee Founder & CEO alska and ConnectedCaregiving