May 12, 2020 ~jas

CAREGIVERS:
During COVID-19 or any other stressful time, it is important to ask for help, reach out for support…
… for any reason…any time
do not wait, do not be deterred.
Ask local people about resources from your local area.


click for list of ONTARIO NUMBERS TO CALL

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Due to the new virus variants showing up in locations around the world, double masking for extra protection is being discussed where appropriate. *Check your area’s health care protocol.* As the different virus variants appear, consider this information is just as appropriate for it as for the initial COVID-19 period when were adjusting to that new normal that still raises its head now and again…it has not gone away.

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IF YOU NOTICE COVID or any VIRUS SYMPTOMS –
PLEASE CONTACT YOUR MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL FOR ADVICE AND GUIDANCE

Fever. Fatigue. Dry Cough. Loss of appetite. Body aches.
Shortness of Breath. Mucous or phlegm. Sore Throat. Headache.
Chills, maybe shaking. Loss of taste or smell. Congestion or runny nose.
Nausea or vomiting. Diarrhea.
(CDC)

Alzheimer Society Hamilton Halton area
For answers to any questions
call for more information: 1-888-343-1017
Sign up for their eNewsletter on their page as well.

Visit the Alzheimer Society AT HOME program,
offering focused help for caregivers.
Call 289-837-2310 to learn more.

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See VIDEO below related to talking to one, locked in a home, with dementia, on a phone call. Demonstrations by TEEPA SNOW to help caregivers see areas of strategies, plans and possible approaches to conversations that need attention. Also see other TEEPA SNOW videos to help caregiver planning and education.

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CAREGIVER SUPPORT
When COVID-19 and the continuing virus variants are getting much attention,
…the ALZHEIMER SOCIETY is a phone call away..1-888-343-1017

Caregivers still need support, they need questions answered, and
they need contacts for resources…

See the list of locations and call the office nearest you!

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CAREGIVER STRESS
can become high during period of isolation – from caregiving tasks as well as COVID-19 –

CHECK YOUR STRESS LEVEL – INSIGHTS to relax

• Breathe in through your nose – count 4 – and hold – count 7 – out through your mouth – count 8 – to reset hormones.
• Remind yourself this will pass
• Take a 15 minute nature break, outdoors if possible
• Focus on doing things that bring joy and laughter.
• Reduce goals to only two steps that move you forward.
• Remove negative information overflow.
• Talk with positive people. Use your brain power for positive thinking.
• Rest, relax, refuel. Journal, talk to a friend, talk to someone who understands your situation

From Dr. Sandra Bond Chapman, cognitive neuroscientist and brain health expert at UT Dallas Center for Brain Health.

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Canadian Regulations that have been put in place
during COVID-19   
to Protect You and Me. (CBC.ca)
Protocol good to remember, just in case!

1 -**CHECK FOR SYMPTONS:
Fever. Cough. Difficulty breathing. Digestive symptoms such as diarrhea.

 2 –SOCIAL DISTANCING. Stay x2 arm’s length apart – all around us. Choose a non-physical greeting. No touching, hugging, kissing. Stay away from those you know are ill.

3 -WEAR MASKS AND GLOVES when out of your home, until we are told we do not need to do so.

4 -COUGH OR SNEEZE into crook of your elbow

5 -LIMIT SHOPPING to grocery and pharmacy. Stay home if sick.
Seniors might take advantage of shopping hours for those ‘at risk.’
Allow a volunteer to pick up for you.

6 -FREQUENTLY WASH YOU HANDS, CLEAN and DISINFECT all touched objects and surfaces

7 -LEARN YOUR LOCAL REGULATIONS.

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FOR ONTARIO, CANADA, Organizations you might call for information or guidance.

KEEP YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH CARE PROVIDER INFO HANDY
put their name and number in a prominent location.

Ontario Caregiver Organization :
(Established in the Spring of 2018, the OCO is an independent non-profit that is funded by the Ministry of Health.) – Caregiver Helpline: 1-833-416-2273

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COVID-19 Copyright (c) Judith Allen Shone