Covid-19 Community Support and Mental Wellness Thread

a reply to: Irishhaf

Yeah... I know... it just, like today I had to wrap an old ladies arms around me to lift and help with stuff because of the situation here. There are no mask or anything and you don't get closer proximity than that... lots of things like that happen in this profession. I can be clean as possible but that can only accomplish so much.

originally posted by: Puppylove
Anybody have any idea how to help me get over this onset of paranoia I'm going to be responsible for people's deaths because of my job and the long period before the virus even shows signs?

I'm a home health aide and all my clients are high risk, some critically so.

My field is very similar to yours. We support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Those diagnoses come with other secondary issues most are compromised immune systems due to one thing or another. Last week was spent in meetings, webinars etc looking at ways to mitigate the outcomes for both those that we support and our staff people and their families. The Direct Support Staff are considered essential workers so these things must be studied and dealt with.
Fortunately the agency that I work for purchased masks. I'm not sure if the one's that we bought are the "right" tool but, perhaps it will help and make folks on both sides feel more protected. Also, we supply gloves and have quite a stockpile.

Now, although I am no longer on the "front lines" so to speak, my training is current and can and will step in if/when needed. If it's just for relief or for a longer time it can be done. As a matter of fact, I had mentioned just Friday that I could quickly get Administration up to par with training so that they could fill in at the homes as well. I've gotten an underwhelming response unfortunately.

My best advice for both your security and confidence along with the folks that you are caring for would be...
Upon arriving at the residence go straight away and wash up. Apply gloves and then backtrack your way with disinfecting. If gloves are not an option, I would wash anytime there has been skin to skin contact and after having lifted the patient to the bed or chair or whatever. Before and after medication assistance, food prep...just anything really. Go back to your Standard Precautions training and basic Infection Controls. Remember that we risk bringing in germs and potential illness every time that we go into their homes.

I hope this gives you some confidence and strength to get through what is necessary. Folks like you are so important and especially at times like these. You have my support and positive thoughts FWIW and I will be doing whatever I can in my neck of the woods to help my co workers and the folks that we support stay as healthy and protected as possible.

Good luck to you and your patients!

ETA: I find when I am busy and doing "something" that I am much better mentally so, clean clean clean (even if it's not necessarily in the job description for that particular consumer).

a reply to: TNMockingbird

Thank you for the advice and support.

originally posted by: Puppylove
Anybody have any idea how to help me get over this onset of paranoia I'm going to be responsible for people's deaths because of my job and the long period before the virus even shows signs?

I'm a home health aide and all my clients are high risk, some critically so.

I just want to say thank you for what you do. I know that my parents rely on people like you and you are not compensated enough.

I can only suggest overkill with hygiene. Wash hands, use hand sanitizer, remove shoes at front door and put on paper booties. Prop wear a mask around your clients.

As for the paranoia, I have no clue how to deal with it for myself so I have no advice to offer. I'm so paranoid I just want to self isolate which I cannot do because of work and my parents.

I slept late again. Turned on the TV and the news is only getting scarier. I wish there was a way to sleep until this blows over. I'm a coward.

a reply to: toolgal462

Sounds like you and I are in the same boat my friend, we are not cowards.
Virtual Hug sent x

I think it's gonna be another loooong week.

a reply to: toolgal462

I am afraid your right, a long week it's going to be.

a reply to: Puppylove

Agree with Irishhaf; consider every person, every surface, every product as being infected with Covid. Embrace your inner OCD if you have one. After that, you can know that no matter the outcome, that you not only did your best, Puppy, but you did all anyone could have.

I am having the same problem with dealing with my elders here. They aren't worried. I am wiping down everything from the store with wet-wipes, bagging their groceries myself, wearing gloves, using hand sanitizers on the outside of the gloves, taking them goodies and encouraging them to stay apart from virtually everyone else. Many of the folk I deal with consider it an entertaining adventure, and don't recognise the stress caregivers might feel in providing care and also being a risk. p.s. I am not a caregiver. I am just filling in a wee bit delivering groceries. Much respect for what you do.

a reply to: argentus

The ones that are coherent seem to be, well, very mature about and accepting of the situation. They may not like it, but some even try to find what good they can from it. One even said, if they die, they die, they aren't happy with it, but, with it comes some good in the form of financial relief for many. Not sure I agree, but is a very mature way to take things. Most older people seem to be very strong in the face of all this. Taking it better than many of us youngins, and they're the ones at risk.

a reply to: Puppylove

Taking it better than many of us youngins, and they're the ones at risk.

. We can only hope to be so settled, should we live so long. Among the elders here, many understand what is going on, are willing to have people help them out, but really don't seem to be much concerned when it comes to them being together with other elders.

On the bright side I actually received "applause" today and only 2 or 3 warnings. LOL

ATS is like a box of chocolates, ya never know wat yer gonna git!

Must be nice to sleep in. My two young cats jumped on my face at 5am and practically knocked me out of bed. (On other days they'll meow in my face until I give in.)

They don't like to miss a meal.

originally posted by: texasgirl
Must be nice to sleep in. My two young cats jumped on my face at 5am and practically knocked me out of bed. (On other days they'll meow in my face until I give in.)

They don't like to miss a meal.

I have 6 of them buggin' me all day and night. I just feed em and go back to bed. Hadda pee anyway.

a reply to: Puppylove

My heart aches for you.

a reply to: texasgirl

My son woke up and escaped momma in the other room and came to find me for play time... at 0400, sat with him and let him play for a bit then was able to rock him back to sleep about 2 hours later.

When he wakes up like that he comes and finds me cause he knows I am a light sleeper and momma in REM sleep could sleep through a car driving through the wall.

originally posted by: Hefficide

About two years ago a relative guilted me into adopting a kitten. The sales pitch was pretty simple, the person explained that three of their cats had all had kittens in a short time and they'd managed to give away or find placement in no kill shelters for all but one of the kittens and that if I didn't take the little guy he was off to the county shelter - probably to be euthanized.

I didn't really want a cat but he was adorable and, well... My new kitten and I settled into our new arrangement.

Nine days ago he went outside and didn't come back home.

Until just now.

He's thin as a rail, covered in some sort of oil or grease - fur all matted and nasty. He's got scabs all over his neck, throat and back.

I don't know where he ran off to or what happened while he was gone but I hope he enjoyed it and opening my door to check for him, for about the thousandth time this week... And for him to actually have been there?

Yeah my emotional cork is straining.

My old, 18 yr old cat, got very sick over the holidays and, after spending $$$ on him, he passed away January 2nd. I cried all the way home and rear-ended someone because I was so distraught.

Then the virus hit the states and I lost my job (I'm a pet sitter) with no more income coming in. It's enough to break a person.

But I'm thankful my cat passed away when he did. I no longer have to worry about him eating or finding a vet who will see him during this crazy, scary time.
It's one less mouth to feed and I feel awful for thinking that, but times are going to get much harder in the coming weeks.

Because I participated in the coronavirus threads I took the advice to stock up and am now staying home to ride it out with my two other, young cats.

I have a brother who has health issues and I've been his rock (my parents and my sister have passed away) so it's been hard. But it's ATS that has been my rock, keeping me informed and prepared for whatever lies ahead.

Thanks, Heff, for this thread. I needed to get that off my chest!

Sorry about your 18 yr old kitty.

I love my cats as much as I could love anyone. They bring me great comfort and joy. And give me a reason to wake up sometimes.

It is gut wrenching when I lose one.

originally posted by: toolgal462

Sorry about your 18 yr old kitty.

I love my cats as much as I could love anyone. They bring me great comfort and joy. And give me a reason to wake up sometimes.

It is gut wrenching when I lose one.

I completely agree. I have enough food for them for at least 6 weeks.

originally posted by: texasgirl

originally posted by: toolgal462

Sorry about your 18 yr old kitty.

I love my cats as much as I could love anyone. They bring me great comfort and joy. And give me a reason to wake up sometimes.

It is gut wrenching when I lose one.

I completely agree. I have enough food for them for at least 6 weeks.

I made sure to stock up for them too, and for my mom's cats and tenants cats too.

Do your kitties bug you constantly for them treats? kitty crack aka Temptations? LOL

a reply to: ketsuko

I'm not doing takeout. The immunosuppression is just too much for me to deal with any additional risk. Nearly died in 2005 from a MRSA nosocomial, and infection is not the way I want to go out. Way too much suffering.

But yeah, I always cut my meals in half, at least. Restaurant portions are so big!