COVID-19 Stress

May 12, 2020 ~jas

covidicon

CAREGIVERS:
During COVID-19, as in 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

January 2021: Due to the new virus variants showing up in locations around the world, double masking for extra protection is being discussed as appropriate. *Check your area’s health care protocol.*

IF YOU NOTICE COVID 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)

Note from Alzheimer Society:
Due to Covid-19, the Alzheimer Society is suspending
in-person education services to the public until further notice.
If you are concerned about your symptoms or the health of the person you are caring for,
please call your personal Doctor,
Telehealth (1-866-797-0000)
or your local Public Health office.

Alzheimer Society Hamilton Halton area
Support and Care Groups during COVID-19
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.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT
Even though COVID-19 is getting all the attention,
remember Alzheimer’s disease still exists.

…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!

Let Families Respond…
a statement of hope.

National Newswatch – May 12, 2020
Now Is the Time for More, Not Less, Caregiver Partnership.
“Coronavirus has already caused great harm to many Canadians and it will continue to do so until a vaccine is developed.  We don’t need to exacerbate that harm by preventing an army of ready and able family caregivers from taking their rightful place as essential care partners in hospitals, long term care homes and other community residential facilities.  Let families respond to the dual call of love and necessity in this pandemic – to do less is to harm more.
by Donna Thomson, author, educator and webinar facilitator for McMaster University

CAREGIVER INSOMNIA
Check out Nova Scotia site, Sleepwell.ca for suggestions about sleeping well without medications. Caregivers must get their sleep.😊😴

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.

Regulations that have been put in place during COVID-19   
to Protect You and Me. (CBC.ca)

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.

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.

Acclaim Health
phone   905-827-8800

Alzheimer Society
phone   289-837-2310

Lifemark
phone  1-855-485-1344

Local Health Integrated Network (LHIN) Mississauga Halton
phone  905-855-9090

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

COVID-19 Copyright (c) Judith Allen Shone