After Covid-19 Caregiving

As we now enter the last phase of the Covid-19 pandemic (hopefully) and re-enter a new new normal existence, I am reminded of the aftermath of a strong hurricane that visited south Florida about a decade ago.  After that hurricane my neighborhood lost power for about a week, we also lost the fencing between the houses immediately adjacent to ours.  As well as a hard and challenging time working to return to our previous existence, I also remember these times as the most connected my neighbors and I have ever been. We would host group barbecues between our now unfenced houses and help each other mend our homes. 

After the fences went back up, we all went back to our former lives, but our sense of community was definitely strengthened.  I think there are some similar lessons can be learned post covid-19.

Post Covid-19 lessons:

A major relief for caregivers with loved ones in long-term care facilities is that we can now start visiting loved ones after a year of isolation.  Don't stop.  Make definite plans for ongoing visits, even if virtually, from all members of the family at all ages (a weekly FaceTime visit from the great-grandkids is the best medicine your senior loved one can take.

We don't know what we had 'til it s gone. Interact with one another as much as possible. Join that support group you were hesitant to join pre-pandemic. Go to conferences, and volunteer at your local healthcare association. Don't forget how powerful human connection can be once the memories of the pandemic wear off.

Now that telehealth is so prevalent, make sure to include yourself within the circle of care. There is no longer any excuse not to make regular appointments with you own physician. After all, caring for yourself is Job One for any caregiver.

Re-enter your community on your own timeline and as much as you feel safe. Even if you are told by non-medical authorities that you don't need to take precautions anymore, such as social distancing and masking, listen to the science and don't do anything that makes you uncomfortable.

What may have come out of this traumatic 15 months or so, is that as much as my local community was affected by that shared experience of a hurricane so many years ago, our global community has been affected by the devastation of Covid-19.  This should overcome any perceived differences between people and hopefully work to bring us together. 

Please share your post covid-19 thoughts and tips below.