Are you ‘caring at home in a Lockdown’?

December 2020 – Who would have thought that thousands of folk would still be ‘Caring at Home’ in ‘Lock-down’ at this time?

In particular, the global Covid-19 Virus Pandemic has put tremendous additional stress on carers at home, in so many ways. For example, there are logistical problems with obtaining food and other essential supplies. This even includes medication and specialist equipment. In addition, there is also the psychological problem of being unable to ‘take a break’ from everyday tasks.

You may have been used to having periods of respite, or even having professional carers visiting. That is probably not happening now. If you are fortunate enough to have friends and relatives that call in – that is also likely out of the question. All these factors can add to feelings of isolation.

Feeling Isolated while Caring at home in a ‘Lock-down’

You are not alone. Just this morning I was watching a UK News channel. One home carer being interviewed stated, “The feeling of isolation is worse than being physically unwell!-“ Feeling lonely and isolated has emerged as being a major debilitating problem for carers of all ages.

What can we do to help overcome these feelings?

7 ways to improve the quality of life

Well, here are suggestions for 7 ways to improve the quality of life for you and your loved ones. This is especially valuable during these stressful times and if you are one of the many folks who are caring at home.

• 1 Use other ways to communicate. As a busy carer, maybe you don’t usually have time to make good use of the telephone to keep in touch with folk. Now with no literal visitors to spend time with, why not pick up the phone and call someone more often?
• 2 Even better, if you have the facilities, use a visual means of contact. Try using Skype, Face-time, Zoom, or the Facebook Messenger Video Chat. This way you can ‘virtually’ invite visitors into your home and even share their visit with those you are caring for.
• 3 Be selective about what you watch and listen to on the TV and Radio. It’s all too easy to just have these on continually in the background. Unfortunately, they often seem to bombard you with the latest depressing news or sitcoms. However, why not take a few minutes to check on upcoming programs and choose uplifting items. These may include travel programs, interesting educational items, or relaxing music or comedy shows.
• Share more time
• 4 Share more time with the person you are caring for. For example, perhaps looking at family photo albums or videos that you haven’t seen for ages.
• 5 Why not catch up on some of those – ‘I’ll sort that out when I have more time’ jobs. Perhaps that doesn’t sound very inspirational, but the ‘feel-good’ factor when completed is great!
• 6 Share music often. (Music and laughter are often referred to as the best medicines). think about the type of music that your loved one can relate to. Do you know their favourite genre of music or particular songs or pieces that are associated with good memories for them? Are there songs that you know they will sing along with you?
• 7 Are you aware of any ‘at home’ hobbies, pastimes, or crafts that your loved one may have enjoyed in the past? If they are able, could you help to rekindle their interest, even in a limited way according to their capabilities?

How you can help

We’ll endeavour to add more suggestions, or even better, YOUR suggestions, in subsequent Blog posts. Please let us know what YOU are doing to ease the stress of Caring at home in a ‘Lock-down’ in your life. Use the comments below, to help us help our community of readers to benefit.

Take care, stay safe and well!

Tony and Louise