Caring for the Caregivers and Cocooners.

On an airplane, an oxygen mask descends in front of you. What do you do? As we all know, the first rule is to put on your own oxygen mask before you assist anyone else.

Only when we first help ourselves can we effectively help others.. When your needs are taken care of, the person you care for will benefit, too.

When it comes to COVID-19, older people are especially vulnerable at this time. It is particularly difficult for both the older person and family member/carer when you both suddenly find yourself confined to being at home adapting to this new normal. Here are some tips to help you the caregiver which will automatically help the vulnerable person in your life.

Keep yourself well physically.

When someone you love is vulnerable you naturally want to care and support them. Whatever that role becomes at this time, it’s important to know that you too are supported. You may have lost some of your support systems right now so it’s about trying to find new ways to cope

While giving care, it’s normal to put your own needs and feelings aside. But putting your needs aside for a long time is not good for you or your loved ones health. You need to take care of yourself, too. You and your loved ones need all the guidance and support possible as this new normal takes time to adjust to. When you have had time to let it settle, it’s good to make a plan.

Now remember, being a caregiver and doing your best is not about being perfect. No individual and no family is perfect and that is a fact!. It does give a good sense of direction if you can develop some form of open communication within your own circle.

First and most important, as a carer you should take all the precautions you can to avoid becoming infected yourself. Here are the basics:

· Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after providing care, preparing food, using the bathroom.

· Avoid crowds, and if you cough or sneeze, do so into the bend of your elbow or into a disposable tissue.

· Keep your hands away from your face.

· Clean frequently touched surfaces in your home often, including mobility and medical equipment used by your loved one.

Social and physical distancing/ but not social isolation.

Use technology to stay connected.

If you don’t know how to, don’t be shy about…

Asking For Help.

Believe it or not, one of the hardest things we humans struggle with is this one. It’s funny really, because we would be the first to offer help when the shoe is on the other foot. I’m sure when people have asked if they can be of help to you, how often you have replied, “Thank you, but I'm fine?” You may not wish to “burden” others or admit that you can't handle everything yourself.

Right now it’s good to take all the help you can get, remember by doing this you are making them feel useful. Just because you are in cocoon or self-isolation doesn’t meant that help is not available.

Chat to your loved one about how you together will manage these new normal .Talking things through ahead of time reduces stress and helps everyone feel involved.

1; Routine; establish a daily one. No matter how small or insignificant it may seem, set small targets for each day. Remember, one day at a time is what gets you through.

2; Encourage; Friends to send cards, letters, phone calls, little gifts to the person who is vulnerable .

2; Communication; Access any chats and communication by using face time, zoom etc etc.

3; Shopping; There’s no need to stockpile, find out about delivery services in your area.

4; Activities, Mental Anything creative will provide a distraction and relax your mind. Tv,radio, reading, jigsaws, coloring, old photos and memorabilia, old videos of Wexford all Ireland wins, communions family events etc. cooking, favorite songs, knitting, sewing, crafting hobbies, singing[even if you can’t] .

Physical; Dancing at the crossroads!! Dancing around the kitchen to your favourite tune,[even if you can’t dance ie dance like there no one watching! ] Movement of any type, gentle exercises, weeding, planting seeds!

Laughter; A good belly laugh really is great for the body mind and spirit. If you find it hard to do so right now source funny films, comedy etc. [great for the immune system ]

5; Spiritual; Depending on one’s beliefs it can be hard not to be able to attended church services, thankfully a lot of these can be accessed by live video link or tv station.

6; Symptoms; if you or a loved one are showing symptoms call your family gp

7; Pre-existing conditions or acute illness onset; Do not ignore any pre-existing conditions; if you are concerned about any symptoms or illness do contact your gp.

8; Contacts; Keep a list of contacts and eir code near your phone.

9 ; Information Overload.; Avoid becoming swamped by too much information in the media.

10; Quiet time; in the day is good to reflect and be at peace in the moment. Savour the smell of a coffee, the sounds of the birds. Allow your senses come alive.

Self Care.

Don't wait until you are overwhelmed and exhausted.

Remember, it is not selfish to focus on your own needs and desires when you are a caregiver—it’s an important part of the job. You and only you are responsible for your own self. Yes it’s difficult and very demanding right now but…

Try to use all of the above tips when and if you can .

Identify and acknowledge your feelings and don't feel guilty about any of them. .