Caregiving in the Age of Coronavirus

As the communal spread of coronavirus accelerates around the globe, varying levels of containment efforts are underway. While critical to curbing the spread, these efforts may not be adequate when it comes to individual & family care. Effective caregiving, especially for the elderly communities, is vital to saving lives. For many families, circumstances may already be complicated by disruption at work, shifting to remote work settings and parenting at home. Caring for elders and family members will need some adjustments and in some cases even new modes of operation. Here are some considerations for families:

  1. Remote Caregiving: Many families may not be in a position to directly care for their elders, particularly if they are residing in senior homes or in other shared facilities that may already have specific regulations in place to combat the spread of the virus. Work with them and the relevant healthcare authorities to understand the necessary protocols and make sure they are supported in their efforts. You may have personal concerns about the risk of contagion, but do keep the elder’s best interests in mind. While social distancing is a necessary defensive mechanism, social isolation is a dangerous deterrent for many elders. Mental & emotional well-being of elders need to be proactively managed. Here are some suggestions for caring remotely:
    • Active & empathetic listening – Many elders may feel scared and unclear on how the situation is evolving and how it could affect their health. Aim to alleviate their concerns, by sharing your understanding of their situation, empathizing and providing comforting support, even when at a distance. This is harder to manage over the phone, but staying fully present during these interactions will go a long way.
    • Be patient with elders – It is likely that elders, especially those in isolation, may experience fear or anger in their inability to “control” their daily lives. Adding to this would be the use of any interactive technologies – although virtual platforms are easy to adopt for most of the adult population, it poses a lot of challenges for elders, varying from knowing how to use certain smartphone apps to physical limitations spanning vision, hearing and general mobility. Practice patience in helping them adapt to new modes of communication, but it is likely you may also still be handling the conversations over the phone. These touch points are equally important, so make every interaction meaningful.
    • Connect more frequently – Since there is almost daily dissemination of new information and the added burden of heightened uncertainty, it is important to also have more frequent conversations with your loved one. It will definitely give them more confidence and strength, and reassurance that they are being cared for.
    • Provide inter-generational support – Grandchildren and younger folks can add a level of happiness and vibrancy, so encourage more cross-generational communication. If you have the time and the means, volunteer to be a “remote friend” for someone you may know of. There are many elders who may not have families or friends to connect with during this time.
  1. Caregiving at Home: Practice the care regimen per standard CDC and physician guidelines. If you are arranging for professional caregivers at home, make sure to keep a sanitized space for them to engage with the elder at home (many home caregivers are risking their personal health as well). If you have children at home, ensure that you are practicing sufficient social distancing, especially if the elder at home is immunosuppressed and/or has multiple medical conditions. Even though being cooped up at home will be disheartening, encourage healthy elders to minimize their exposure outside of home.
  2. Self Care: As a caregiver, make sure to take some time for yourself and minimize your own anxiety levels around the virus and what may occur in the future. Social media and news agencies may add to this confusion and panic, so while it is important to stay informed, it is equally important to avoid any persistent subconscious negativity. It is particularly important in the current setting where you may be working remotely and have limited personal interactions with your immediate circle of colleagues and friends. Focus on building your immunity as well – get plenty of sleep, eat healthy, meditate and/or follow hobbies and activities at home that give you mental and emotional support. Lastly, spend more time with family – after all, circumstances are forcing families to spend more time at home, so what better time than now!
  3. Financial Care: Finances may not be top of mind for many currently given the health concerns. However, for many workers relying on service jobs, this can lead to added financial burden, while communities take hiatus from stores and shops. Take full advantage of the added benefits and subsidies being offered by your employers as well as the local government. If you are able to, now is a good time to add to your rainy day coffers for future care needs; it is likely you may need emergency supplies for the ensuing couple of months before life returns to some level of normalcy. Also look for new sources of savings that have opened up – transportation, gas, meals at home, etc. And if relevant, talk to your financial advisor.
  4. Care Planning: Making plans may be the last thing on your mind currently, but it would be prudent to think about the care needs of the elder over the next 3-6 months. Make sure there is sufficient food & medical supplies for the elder’s chronic conditions and also have backup care plans in place (e.g., if the caregiver falls sick). Be vigilant and well-informed on how the care necessities may change, either at home or at a senior center. Reach out to your local area agencies on aging and senior support communities to find out more about resources that can be available for you and your loved one.

As they say, this too shall pass, as long as we all take proactive steps. Stay safe and spread the care!

Stay current with CDC and other relevant sources:

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Authored by Aarabi Balasubramanian, Founder & Principal at EmTech Growth and Care-Wallet