Today, WellMed Charitable Foundation organized a conference call on how to cope with the novel coronavirus while caregiving, featuring two speakers — Dr. Elliot Montgomery Sklar and social worker Lucy Barylak. Though the conference call was for all caregivers (not necessarily caregivers with one of the disorders in the Brain Support Network community), we listened-in as we thought there would be useful suggestions shared for us all on the emotional and psychological aspects of coping. Indeed, the two speakers discussed how the current pandemic has been impacting caregivers and offered suggestions for regaining some sense of control amid this chaotic situation.
During a recent BSN caregiver-only support group meeting, a caregiver said that her husband was quite panicked about the pandemic, and especially worried that the caregiver would get sick and die. This question was raised during the WellMed Charitable Foundation conference call. The advice given was:
As caregivers, this may be the most challenging time for you and your loved one; you will need to be as patient as possible. If they have any form of dementia, you may need to repeat your instructions daily or frequently, or maybe help them yourself more directly than usual. Just because they have dementia doesn’t mean they won’t pick up on your anxiety and the news. Try to make alternative plans for the loved one’s care if you the primary caregiver do get sick. Knowing a plan is in place can alleviate some of their anxiety – and yours. Talk realistically with your husband about his concerns. If your loved one lives in a care facility, remember that staying away is an act of love – you are protecting them. Explore other ways to communicate with them, such as phone or video chat.
For additional questions-and-answers plus suggestions for regaining some sense of control, check out these notes of the conference call. Lauren Stroshane with Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach shared her notes here:
The recording of the call is not yet available on the WellMed Charitable Foundation website.
Robin