Live-in care work can be stressful at the best of times. Sometimes you may find yourself in situations you never thought you would be in such as caring for very ill people or being alone with a client in a remote place.
These days, with the advent of the coronavirus it is not surprizing to be afraid. The very thought of social distancing and self-isolation can be horrifying, to say the least. How do you get shopping done, pick up medication, and what about those doctor’s visits?
At this time, it becomes more important than ever to take care of yourself and your client, and to not put either of you at undue risk.
I’m scared of the future – what now?
First thing to remember here is that you are not the only live-in carer who fears the future. Most live-in carers are frightened at this time, and the future may certainly look bleak for some. Being away from our loved ones, with no immediate prospect of getting back to them is not a comfortable situation.
Keep in touch
While you may not be able to meet your friends or even other carers who are close by, you can stay in contact with them.
Social media platforms are many and there are plenty of carer forums where you will find hundreds of people in the same position as you are. Right now, most people are missing their families very badly. Talking online to other people will bolster your own spirits.
Call your family, arrange a Skype or WhatsApp call. You can even call via Facebook. There are several ways to stay in touch with your family. It will help if you arrange a time and day to call them. This will help to give the day some structure, as well as something for you to look forward to.
Do something physical
It is a well-known fact that exercise is good for the body. It is also good for the mental side of our lives. You will find many routines on the television or online where you can do a simple workout in your room, or even in the garden in good weather.
You will not need any gym equipment for these, and most routines will be around twenty minutes or so. If your client is in reasonable health, you will find some that you can do with them. Remember that they may also be stressing out at not seeing their loved ones.
Do something for your mind
Try to make productive use of the times now when you cannot go out for a walk. Start to learn a new language. You will find any online beginner courses for this.
Do a crossword or puzzle. You may be able to include your client in this.
Read a book. If you do not have a ‘real’ book at hand you will find hundreds available for free online through sites like Amazon.
Keep a routine
Probably one of the most important things you can do now to stop yourself from being scared and stressed is to keep to a routine. Don’t let things slide because you can’t go out.
Many people will emerge from this lockdown overweight. This is not mandatory – you can eat healthily and stay fit!
Set yourself a time for when you do your exercise routine, work on a puzzle, read a book, and talk to your family.
Having a routine to follow will make the days pass faster than if you do nothing.
Stay positive
You need to keep telling yourself – as we all do – that one day this will end. Life will slowly get back to normal and we will see our loved ones again.
To sum up
Don’t be afraid to admit you’re scared, because you will find that most carers are in the same boat as you.
Stay positive and keep busy, but most importantly, keep yourself and your client safe.
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