The pandemic continues to make an impact around the world affecting different people in different ways. When it comes to home care, caring for someone with a chronic illness or disability can be trying at times and COVID-19 can add even more stressors to being a caregiver. If you find yourself becoming overwhelmed or strained acknowledge the importance of taking care of yourself.
Remember to…
Maintain Healthy Behaviors & Manage Stress
Rest Up
Make sure you are obtaining enough sleep. Keep up with good sleep habits such as going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time each morning.
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated is crucial to your overall health; maintaining the function of every system in your body.
Stay Active - Exercise Regularly
Being physically active does not mean you need to go to the gym with an entire workout routine. Brisk walking is an activity that can help keep your mind sharp as well as reduce anxiety and depression.
The stressors of the pandemic as a caregiver can feel heavy and demanding, but taking that time to care for yourself will give you the energy and mindset to be the caregiver you want to be.
Not only will taking care of yourself benefit your daily performance, keeping up with the following four objectives will provide you with confidence as a caregiver amidst a pandemic.
Protecting Yourself & Others
Keep your hands clean
Wash your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds. If soap and water are not accessible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. It’s particularly important to wash your hands …
Before touching your face
Before handling or preparing food
Before and after handling your mask
After using the bathroom
Before and after changing a diaper
Clean and disinfect
Frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned daily. Examples include doorknobs, countertops, toilets, sinks, etc.
Mask up
Help prevent the spread. To help protect yourself and those around you make sure your mask covers your nose and mouth. It wouldn’t hurt to keep spare masks with you in case of unforeseen circumstances.
6 feet away
Outside of the home- Avoid close contact with others by maintaining a distance of 6 feet. It is exceptionally important to keep a distance from others when someone is at higher risk of getting sick.
As a caregiver, it may not be realistic to maintain a distance while providing care, but wearing a mask is a beneficial action to take.
Although COVID-19 vaccines are now authorized and recommended to be received once available to you, it is still crucial to follow daily safety precautions. Being a caregiver for someone in your life is selfless devotion, remember, you are doing the best you can.