Caring For The Caregivers

This pandemic is not only stressful for the ones who are sitting at home, away from their friends and family, but it is also stressful and probably riskier for the frontline workers and caregivers. If you are a caregiver, it is only natural that you’ll be anxious about catching the virus or transmitting it to the person you are taking care of, unwillingly.

If you find yourself a little scared and anxious, don’t worry, you’re not the only one. It is normal to feel that way, but just make sure that you don’t let this stress get to you. The times are difficult and if you are unable to manage the stress, it’ll get more difficult for you to deal with.

There are ways to deal with this anxiety and to prevent yourself from getting infected, and they are listed below:

Keep yourself well

You cannot pour from an empty glass. Therefore, it is important to take care of yourself first so that you can take care of others.

So, wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your face and mouth. Clean all the frequently touched things like doorknobs, tables, switches, etc. If you visit the market to buy essentials, make sure you have a mask on, and when you return, wash your hands and feet first and then do anything else.

Practice Social Distancing But Not Social Isolation

Don’t indulge yourself so much in your work that you isolate yourself completely. Take a break and talk to your friends and family over calls. Try and contact the family of the person you are taking care of, especially if they are elderly as they may feel alone and lonely with no one to visit them.

Postpone

To minimize the risk of getting infected, postpone hospital visits. Talk to the doctors, the family of your patient and the patients themselves. Explain to them about the risks and how you can avoid them by just staying at home.

Plan

If you are a full-time caregiver, you need to plan through this entire lockdown period. Make sure you have all the essentials stocked up. All the medicines of your patients and some backup as well. Keep in constant touch with the doctors and the patient’s family. Discuss everything with them, so that you don’t end up taking unnecessary stress.

Dr Madhusudan B.K

Senior Consultant Neurologist & HOD Stroke & Epilepsy Specialist, BGS Gleneagles Hospital

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author. They do not reflect the opinions or views of the organization.