How To Care For A Person With COVID?
COVID is no longer the scary unknown illness that it was before vaccines were introduced. Now people can endure COVID very much like how they can endure a stronger version of the flu. However, just like any other illness a bout with COVID means temporary isolation at home or at the hospital, feeling under the weather, and being unable to do the usual things that were so easy to do prior to the illness. If you have a family member or a friend with COVID you can do a couple of things to make this period a bit more bearable. For example, you can buy a ‘get well’ fruit basket or offer to take over the daily errands while the person is sick. Read on to learn how you can support a friend or loved one with COVID.
Ways to Help a Person with COVID
Set up an isolation room
Assuming that you live with the person with COVID, you may be in the best position to help that person set up a space where he or she can isolate himself. Pick a well-ventilated room, set up pick-up and drop-off spots for meals, and equip the room with everything he or she needs to ride out the virus. For face-to-face interactions, it is best to do so in a well-ventilated area, with masks on, and at least 1 meter away. If possible, keep the windows open so fresh air can ventilate your indoor spaces throughout the day.
Offer to do important errands
From walking the dog to shopping for groceries and paying the bills, someone isolating due to COVID can use an extra pair of hands to do the usual tasks that may be impossible to do if one is not allowed to go out of the house. If you have a neighbor with COVID you can offer to do a couple of errands while he or she is indisposed, such as mowing the lawn or watering the plants in the yard.
Keep water in easy reach
People with COVID need to stay hydrated while riding out the virus. Make sure you have a ready supply of water right by the sick person’s room, so they do not need to get out of the room for a drink.
Buy a ‘get well’ fruit basket
COVID isolation can take a mental toll on most patients especially if recovery takes a long time. Give your friend’s spirit a boost with a ‘get-well’ fruit basket filled with fresh fruits that can also help boost his or her immune system. Whole, fresh food like fruits and vegetables give sick individuals the right nutrients and vitamins that support the body’s ability to fight off a viral infection. A fruit basket is also a tasty and colorful way to brighten up a sick person’s day.
Use technology to show emotional support
Show a sick loved one that he or she is not alone by scheduling regular online chats or video calls. Isolation and the anxiety that comes with it can affect a person’s ability to fight off the virus quickly. You can help ease the feelings of isolation and anxiety with regular communication and by checking in on the person on a daily basis. A short phone call can do wonders to help a COVID patient feel like he or she is still part of the world.
A bout with COVID can be a stressful period for anyone young or old. If you have a friend or a family member who is sick you can take steps to make this period easier. Keep the tips above in mind if you want to show support for a friend or loved one with COVID.