During the Coronavirus Pandemic, We're All Caregivers

[sheshe2]

Alexandra Drane – a serial entrepreneur and my friend and colleague – made an interesting remark on her Facebook page recently. "Almost overnight, the number of unpaid #caregivers has gone from 1 in 5 Americans, to anyone who cares for someone at risk for #COVID19," she wrote. "That's an incredibly large number of people. As in – maybe everyone."

She made this remark in the context of a campaign to thank caregivers. After reading it a few times, it really starts to sink in that we're all in this together.

Much more at the link.

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COVID-19 has changed so much of this advise, I know because two of us have been moms home caregiver for over two years now.

We had the homecare aids here twice a week. They took some of the burden of showers and lunch/ dinner and bathroom trips from us. It gave us some time away. We had a nurse come in once a week with hospice and an aid that came in an additional three times a week for an AM shower. This gave us a breather. Independently we had cleaners come in every two weeks.

We had to let all of them go in March. My mom is far to vulnerable to have a dozen people every week in this house. We are still on hospice, yet only by phone with the nurse. They are still writing scripts for mom.

We had an emergency the other day when our power went out due to severe winds. We had to switch her to her portable oxygen tanks that were a few months old. Hospice delivered new ones within a few hours. They are still there for us, yet it's from a distance.

Even family members can't be inside to hug us or mom. We have chatted outside with my nephew and niece with their four year old and 6 month old that I have only had a chance to hold twice. Mom waves from the window. Another niece is coming to deliver groceries with the kids tomorrow. She is an ICU and CCU nurse and exposed to the horror of this virus. We will chat outside at a distance.

Here is a fact:

It's scary, but many family caregivers predecease the one for whom they are caring. That happened with my sister. And when I became my mom's sole caregiver, my physician started worrying about my stress levels. You have to be vigilant about good health.

That was a fact long before the Coronavirus. Now that makes things harder when you can't even be with your own family. I feel so isolated.

[guillaumeb]

1. Recommended.

I have never seen you, but over the last few years I have come to know what type of person you are, she.

Your posts reveal your intelligence, and your politics. Please take this response as a virtual embrace. And if you can, get out and walk, or at least walk in place while listening to music. Exercise stimulates endorphin production.

If you have an Apple product, try Facetime. Zoom is also a good option.

Guill

[sheshe2]

2. Thanks for your kind words, Guill.

Also for being the only one to respond.

I am trying to get out, yet have little time to do so. I will be doing more of that as the weather is finally improving.

We have done a zoom bday party for a four year old.

Thanks.

You are good peeps, Guill.

[guillaumeb]

3. There is a lot of news today.

It can get overwhelming. Stay safe, and stay sane. I always find staying sane to be the hardest.

[sheshe2]

5. Yes...lol.

I am having a hard time with the sanity part myself.

Thank you. I mean that.

[brer cat]

4. Take care of yourself, she.

The stress and work will wear you down.

[sheshe2]

6. I am trying.

Thank you brer. Please take care of you.