Supporting Loved Ones While Social Distancing During COVID-19 Pandemic
Sometimes we find ourselves in a situation where we cannot be physically near to a loved one that needs our care. It may be that we live in a different state and simply cannot uproot our entire lives and families to move at the moment. It might be that a pandemic like COVID-19 strikes the globe and makes it impossible to be close to the people who need us. It would be easy to feel helpless in these situations. But there are ways we can still support our loved ones while practicing social distancing.
5 Ways to Support Loved Ones While Social Distancing
While we may not be there physically, we can certainly continue to show people that we love and care for them. Here are five ways to show we care while practicing social distancing.
- Send food – Send gift cards from local restaurants with take-out options, arrange food delivery from nearby caterers, and research grocery distribution services that can bring necessities (that you have paid for) once, intermittently or regularly.
- Get everyone together – Once you learn a loved one needs continuous care, it’s time to gather the troops and see who is available to help in your absence. These individuals are your closet connection to the person in care during times of isolation. Check in with primary caregivers to get daily updates on how your loved one is doing.
- Get connected – There are many apps that allow someone to provide care long-distance. The apps include features to help you keep track of appointments and medications with pre-set reminders or alarms. Several medical on-call systems, some offered through local hospitals, provide assistance if something happens when a caregiver is not on site.
- Be organized – Send your loved one reminders of appointments, personal goals, birthdays, etc. Also, be aware of their doctors, medical needs and any medications they should be taking regularly.
- Be prepared for emergencies – Make sure you have a plan in place for emergencies that includes who to call, what to do and where to go. You can talk to your employer about how much time off you have, paid and otherwise. Pack a suitcase with everything you need in the event you have to leave in a hurry.
Caring For Yourself
You need to remember to take time for yourself. Even though you may not be physically caregiving for someone, you are still taking on many additional responsibilities and stress. Talk to the people you trust. Accepting outside help from family and friends, being organized and prepared for whatever happens, and taking care of yourself will help you feel more confident about caring for someone you love from far away.
Orchard at Athens is here to help our community during this difficult timing. Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to schedule a tour of our community.
