As we navigate uncharted territory and attempt to keep up with new information on COVID-19 daily, the team at FCBC is constantly looking to determine our next action to support family caregivers and the people they are caring for.
There is power in sharing a common experience and learning from each other’s personal experiences. We can support one another and show compassion. Here is how you can caregive remotely during these time of physical distancing:
Follow Public Health Guidelines
- Get information from credible sources such as the World Health Organization or the Public Health Agency of Canada.
- Maintaining a healthy physical distance (at least 6 feet if neither person is showing symptoms, and avoiding contact altogether if a person has flu-like symptoms) and continuing to practice 20- second hand washing is a must.
Hygiene For Those You Care For
- The person you care may need extra and/or written reminders and support to remember important hygienic practices.
- Consider placing signs in the bathroom and elsewhere to remind them to wash their hands with soap for 20 seconds.
- Demonstrate thorough hand-washing.
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can be an alternative to hand-washing if the person you are caring for
cannot get to a sink or wash his/her hands easily.
Shift The Perspective
- Make hygienic practices a positive experience
- An example is purchasing fun hand crafted soaps to use!
Stay Physically Distant… And Socially Connected
- Positive social interactions – even remotely – can help reduce loneliness. Showing genuine interest in others, sharing positive news, and bringing up old memories can enhance our relationships.
- Use technology to stay in touch
- Drop off healthy meals with positive notes
- Work with a pharmacy over the phone to support those you care for with their prescriptions
- Ask for support through the BC 211 line. They provide support for seniors, including friendly visits by phone and getting their groceries. Seniors are also suggested to call if they need help.
Ask for Support
- Decide on a plan – Talk things through with the person you are caring for and those involved with how you will all navigate thechanges and interruption of normal services
- Pick an emergency contact that you can rely on to step in if you need support
- Stock up: gather 3 months of medication, two weeks of food, over-the-counter remedies, and other essentials.
- Find out what delivery services are available in your area and designate someone to help with grocery shopping for days you are unable to assist
Managing Your Anxiety
- Minimize watching, reading or listening to news about COVID-19
- Seek information from trusted sources at specific times of the day, reducing the constant influx of information
- Gather facts to help minimize fears
- Unplug whenever possible – practice self-care and stay aware of your feelings and emotions
Family Caregivers of BC Support and Resources
Call the Family Caregivers of BC Support line Toll Free at 1-877-520- 3267, Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 7 pm. We can support you based on your unique needs, help bring awareness into your situation, listen to you, suggest ideas and resources.
Tune into our podcast Caregivers Out Loud to connect, learn and
listen to stories and experiences from others caregivers.