As we start the third month of the shelter-at-home order, we at Compassionate Community Care would like to recognize the hard work and dedication of our caregivers. As a healthcare organization, Compassionate Community Care has continued to operate 24/7 during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide essential services to the vulnerable and at-risk populations we serve. While these are challenging and stressful times for all of us collectively, healthcare workers, including caregivers, have been especially impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
Despite the recommendations from the federal government about “physical distancing”, our caregivers must continue to provide essential services to our clients to maintain their physical and psychological well-being. The nature of the caregiving vocation requires caregivers to be in close contact with their clients for tasks including but not limited to bathing, dressing, grooming, and incontinent care. Thus, caregivers are constantly putting their health on the line to ensure clients receive the essential services they need for survival.
To mitigate the risk of transmission and keep our clients and caregivers as safe as possible, we at Compassionate Community Care are taking extra safety precautions. All of our caregivers have been informed, and are expected to adhere to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention recommended safety guidelines during the pandemic. Additionally, we provide our frontline workers with recommended barrier precautions such as masks, gloves, hand-sanitizer, and protective eyewear. Our caregivers are constantly reminded to wash their hands and to report to our administrative team immediately if they feel ill or exhibit cold or flu-like symptoms. Any employee who reports such information to our office, may not return to work until they have been properly cleared to do so.
Compassionate Community Care understands these are unnerving and challenging times for all of us. As we have done from the beginning, we will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic to keep our caregivers informed and safe, and to be able to continue to provide the critical services our clients need and depend on.
Tips for Self-Care During Quarantine
The outbreak of COVID-19 has increased levels of stress and anxiety for most people. These are stressful and uncertain times for all of us. While it is important to stay informed about the pandemic, too much focus on media and news can increase fear and anxiety. Now more than ever, it is important to practice self-care. Self-care can mean different things to different people, but essentially, it boils down to engaging in healthy and fun activities that help you unwind, relax, and take care of yourself. Below is a list of self-care activities you can do alone, or virtually with family, friends, and your community.
- Take a break from the news. This can mean tuning off of the television or radio for a few hours; not reading about the pandemic, or taking a break from social media. While it is important to stay informed about COVID-19 and ways to protect yourself, too much news all-the-time can be overwhelming and even harmful to your emotional well-being.
- Take time for yourself! Take breathes, stretch, or find a quiet place to be alone or meditate.
Here is a link to a 10-minute guided meditation you can do anywhere: https://www.headspace.com/meditation/10-minute-meditation
- Get physical! Go outside for a walk or jog, and some fresh air! If you are not able to leave your home, you can also engage in physical activities from home, such as chair yoga:
While the shelter-at-home order remains in effect through the end of May, individuals are allowed and encouraged to go outside to exercise- while maintaining social distance orders, of course. Always remember to wear a mask and maintain a six-foot distance from people who are not part of your household when you engage in outdoor exercise.
- Get some sleep! Sleep is critical for biological processes and well-being, especially now during the pandemic. Sleep can help strengthen the body’s defenses, it can enhance mood and energy levels, and can mitigate some of the symptoms associated with depression and other mental health conditions.
- Get social! While you are discouraged from physically being with people outside of your household during the shelter-at-home order, you do not need to be alone. We are all in this together! Try calling a friend or family member to connect. You can also communicate with friends and family through video chat through platforms like FaceTime (if you both have an iPhone or Mac), WhatsApp, Zoom, or Google hangouts. Many people are playing games together; celebrating birthdays, and engaging in many of the activities and celebrations that are usually done in the company of others, online. You can also feel connected to your community through volunteer work. Helping your elderly neighbor by buy groceries for them or walking their dog; donating your time or money to your local food pantry; sewing fabric masks for your neighbors or healthcare workers; or donating or buying gift cards from your favorite local restaurants, are just some ways you can be connected to your community while sheltering- at-home. Here are more ideas on ways you can help: https://www.7×7.com/how-to-help-the-community-coronavirus-bay-area-2645591886.html
Source:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html