COVID 19 – TIPS FOR SUPPORT WORKERS AND CARERS

Even though the entire world is in lockdown mode due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for care and assistance, is still of pivotal importance for the vulnerable in our community, such as senior citizens and the physically disabled individuals.

Considering that these same people are the most vulnerable against this virus, it is important that support workers or caregivers, take all the necessary precautions to protect them. It is equally important for support workers or caregivers to employ appropriate strategies and habits, which ensures their own health and wellbeing is looked after, while providing care for the individuals who rely on them. Along with that, the risk associated with caregiver burnout, will need to be controlled, while preventing the spread of the deadly virus.

Here are some useful tips that support workers or caregivers can keep in mind to ensure their safety and that of their clients during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Tip 1: Take appropriate measures to reduce the spread of the virus.

The very first thing to note is that you need to be consciously aware to take appropriate measures to curtail the spread of the virus.

One such measure is proper hand washing, as well as obeying the 5 moments of hand hygiene. They are:

1.     before touching a client,

2.     before clean/aseptic procedures,

3.     after body fluid exposure/risk,

4.     after touching a client, and

5.     after touching client surroundings

In fact, it is encouraged to make it a habit to wash your hands at least once an hour for 20 seconds as is recommended by WHO for effective hand washing. Likewise, if you blow your nose, use the toilet, or sneeze; you must immediately wash your hands or alternatively use hand sanitizer.

You should also take appropriate steps when traveling to and from crowded places. In fact, appropriate changes must be introduced to your day to day lifestyle, so that you refrain from visiting crowded places that could put you at risk of contracting COVID-19. If you must, then maintain social distancing at all times to at least 1.5 meters.

Tip 2: Stay informed about the virus.

All support workers and caregivers should strive to remain informed about the situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic both globally and locally. Being informed ensures you are knowledgeable on the dos and don’ts as well as eradicates any cause of panic.

Keeping informed means only following updates from reliable and authorized sources and not social media. However, there should be a limit on how much time you spend listening to the news because an overload could be emotionally and mentally overwhelming.

Tip 3: Take good care of yourself.

You must take good care of yourself throughout this period and always. If you are not mentally, physically and emotionally sound, you will not be able to offer good care to your client.

Some tips on looking after yourself are:

·        Eating a balanced diet

·        Maintaining a good sleep routine

·        Exercising regularly

·        Knowing your limits and expertise

·        Speaking up when necessary

·        Practicing self-care

Tip 4: Watch out for stress or burnout

You must always keep an eye out for any signs of burnout or caregiver stress. Caregiver burnout is impossible to ignore and the chances of ending up with caregiver burnout will increase significantly during the times of pandemic due to numerous reasons such as heavy workload, panic, and even short-staffed. That’s why it is important for you to keep an eye for the signs and make sure that this is looked at immediately.

Some of the most common signs of caregiver burnout include anxiety, depression, insomnia, hopelessness, and difficulties in coping with normal job responsibilities. Once these signs are noticed, it is important to seek help and support on how to relieve the pressure. Organizations such as Beyond Blue and Lifeline Australia offer free help and support to all Australians wherever they live or whatever their age.

Finally,

It is important to remember that whilst these tips and guidelines are helpful during the COVID-19 pandemic, they can also be useful for any occasion. Therefore, keep them in mind so you can continue to be the champion companion that you are.