Use Technology To Stay Connected

If you’re caring for someone who does not live with you, staying connected with them during the COVID-19 pandemic can be a huge challenge.

If you’re the primary caregiver, you may have gotten used to stopping by to check in on your loved one on a daily or weekly basis. But now, you might be limiting your visits in an effort to reduce your contact with them.

This is where technology comes in.

Depending on your loved one’s comfort level with technology, you can use phone or video calls to stay connected and check up on them. If your involvement in their care is more hands-on, then seeing them in-person is still going to be essential.

You can also use technology to help manage your other family members who may be helping out. Using a group text and sharing calendars can help keep everyone organized and will keep appointments from being missed.

Keep Up With Essential Medical Appointments

With many medical practices moving towards telehealth, it is more important than ever to ensure that your loved one is able to keep up with their essential medical appointments.

You can help them acquire the right equipment needed to get online for their telehealth appointments and be available to troubleshoot with them if they need help. Sometimes a few test calls with you is all they need to get the hang of it!

While you can help your loved one manage as much of their care as possible from home, there are still going to be times when they need to venture out. Infusion treatments, vaccinations, and other medical procedures are going to require a trip into the world. Make sure your loved one is following CDC guidelines when they go out and remember to reassure them of the importance of the in-person appointment or procedure if they are apprehensive.

Seek Out Virtual Communities

As a caregiver, it’s more important than ever to practice self-care. The pandemic has taken a toll on everyone’s mental health and can be an added stress for caregivers.

Being part of an in-person community, whether that be a support group, social club, or religious community, used to be a great way for caregivers to find support. But since the pandemic, people have become increasingly more isolated.

Fortunately, there are many virtual support groups that caregivers can join. You can also take your existing communities online and suggest (or host!) group phone or video calls to keep up with everyone during this time.

If you found our tips helpful, please share them with other caregivers!