It’s an Unusual Time
The coronavirus pandemic has presented an array of challenges to everyday life. Home Care Aides and those they care for are particularly affected, as COVID-safety practices and quarantine measures have contributed to isolation, anxiety and worry.
Recent reports have found that U.S. adults are experiencing considerably elevated adverse mental health conditions associated with the ongoing pandemic. At a time when COVID-19 infections are hitting record numbers, it is more important than ever for Home Care Aides to balance their duties of providing exceptional care with maintaining their own well-being.
Caregiving is Challenging
Being a Home Care Aide is both rewarding and challenging. Looking out for the safety, success and health of another person requires substantial emotional investment. When compounded with the necessary changes in daily routines that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought on, caregiving looks very different these days.
This is the time to emphasize and exercise self-care. Here are a few strategies we recommend to prevent burnout during COVID-19.
5 Tips for Caring for the Home Care Aide
Chronic stress triggers a release of stress hormones in the body, leading to exhaustion, irritability and a weakened immune system. We’d like to share a few recommendations to help Home Care Aides combat this stress response:
Practice simple meditation/breath awareness for 10 minutes a day. The benefits of meditation and practicing breathing techniques include improved focus and concentration, self-awareness and self-esteem, and lower levels of stress and anxiety.
Mind your health. In caring for others, you may forget to care for yourself at the same time. Make sure to get 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity per day to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol while boosting your energy levels. Be sure to combine exercise with eating a healthy diet and getting adequate sleep.
Self check-ins. Be in touch with how you’re feeling. Watch for any symptoms of depression or stress disorder: prolonged sadness, difficulty sleeping, intrusive memories, and hopelessness. Keep lines of communication open by talking to a peer or supervisor, or seek professional help if needed.
Limit media exposure. Today’s 24/7 news cycle can be overwhelming. Make it a regular habit to step away from your devices and stay connected to those in your household.
Set limits for what you can do. There’s only so much time in a day. Don't overload your daily to-do list. When possible, let family members and friends help you with household chores, childcare and shopping.
Presidio is here for our Clients, Community and our Team
Presidio Home Care Aides are kind, patient, and passionate professionals that strive to provide the highest standard of care to our clients. To ensure the safety and health of our team members, clients and their families during the pandemic, we have:
Increased every Presidio Home Care employee’s sick pay allowance and offered a monthly reimbursement stipend to all team members for face masks and hand sanitizers.
Provided a mandatory, paid, COVID-19 specific training program to all of our Home Care Aides.
Implemented mandatory social distancing guidelines for our Home Care Aides while at work, with clients and family members.
Partnered with the Pasadena Health Department in order to provide N95 Particulate Respirators to all of our team members.
Pandemic or not, Presidio Home Care’s mission remains unchanged: to serve our community and to enrich the lives of those we work with.
Learn more by calling us today at 800-567-4117.