Caregiving During a Pandemic

There’s been a lot going on in the past months with COVID-19. Here are a few tips for staying healthy and maintaining self-care during the pandemic as a caregiver:

1. Establish a new routine and stick to it. Things may be changing rapidly but consistency is best for you and your loved one. Include exercise, nutrition, hydration, and adequate sleep so you both stay healthy.
2. Get a 90-day supply of prescriptions and pick up at a drive-through pharmacy or delivery service.
3. Stay informed about the rules and regulations concerning COVID-19 but also take a break from the news when it feels like it’s too much.
4. Encourage hobbies such as sewing, gardening, or puzzles, and find ways to ease stress such as yoga, meditation, prayer, or virtual mental health visits.
5. Take online courses together that help both of you embrace socialized activities (like cooking or crafting).
6. Compile an easily accessed list of your loved one’s conditions, medicines, health care providers, and pharmacy. Plus closely monitor supplies such as glucose testing strips.

We hope these tips help and both you and your loved one are doing well. There are lots of ways to connect and thrive, even during a pandemic.

Ways to Connect This Holiday Season

The holidays are going to be different this year but there are still plenty of ways to connect with your loved ones, even from afar.

The most important thing to remember during the holidays is no matter how far away you are from your family, take this a as a time to remind your loved ones how important they are as a part of your life. You’ll never regret telling everyone you love them during the holidays.

Also, if technology is part of your holiday celebrations, don’t be afraid to ask for help! Ask a neighbor or caregiver to set up your phone, computer, or device so that you can join in on the holiday festivities from far away.

If you feel burdensome because you can’t fully participate in the festivities like you used to, try to give yourself grace and enjoy your time. Your family loves you and is happy you are there (virtually or in-person).

Technology Recommendations to Connect You with Your Loved Ones:

1. Houseparty Houseparty is a social networking app that allows up to eight people to video chat at once in a “room.”
2. Let’s Roam: Digitally guided in-home scavenger hunts with your loved ones from far away.
3. Marco Polo: Have a group or 1-on-1 conversation over video. Easily send quick messages back and forth with fun filters, etc.
4. Scrabble Go: Play online scrabble from your device with friends near and far.
5. Netflix Party: Watch a movie or TV show with your loved ones at the same time.
6. TinyBeans: Watch the kiddos grow up on this private social network & get photos daily

Vintage offers individual counseling to family caregivers under the National Family Caregiver Support Act. Call today at 970-468-0295 or at efisher@nwccog.org

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The post National Family Caregiver Month 2020 first appeared on Vintage.