THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING IN TOUCH
For the past few weeks, the Otus Live-in Care team has paid extra special attention to communication. The team has kept in regular touch with their clients and families, making sure that clients are safe and secure, being cared for by one of the company’s registered live-in carers. The priority has been to ensure that every one of its clients and their respective families have the reassurance that their loved ones are in good hands, being cared for in the safety of their own home.
Just saying ‘Hello’
With the stay at home policy set to continue for at least another three weeks, it is worth remembering how important it is to keep in touch. Now more than ever, while we’re practicing social distancing (or more accurately, physical distancing), we should also look out for any neighbours or indeed long distance friends who might need some help or just a phone call to say ‘Hello’. If we can all help at least one person during this crisis, even in a small way, a lot of people could be lifted by our kindness. The truth is, we all need contact with other people. Connections promote wellness – human connection is important for good health, especially when life presents situations that can cause increased anxiety and loneliness.
Loneliness
The author Vivek Murthy has written a book looking at loneliness called “Together”. In it he argues that loneliness can cut lives short in many different ways. Vivek refers to a UK poll amongst GP’s – the results showed that 76% of British GP’s said they saw between one and five patients a day whose visit was “primarily driven by loneliness”. Even more reason to make a call to someone you know who might be isolating alone.
Being resourceful
The good news is social distancing doesn’t have to mean that we cannot communicate and keep in touch. It can be difficult for an older person to understand why their family is not visiting so the more ways we can find to keep in touch, the better. Otus’ live-in carers have played a very key role in helping ease any anxiety their clients may be experiencing. Where they have the relevant equipment, they have set up ways in which their clients can see and interact with their family via social media and the internet. At the least, they have ensured that regular conversations take place over the telephone. Just hearing someone’s voice can be enough to lift spirits and make a difference.
Help and advice
Throughout this very difficult time, Otus Live-in Care will continue sharing the latest help and advice with our clients, their families and their live-in carers. We are proud that our registered carers have shown such commitment – we recognise that they too will have been dealing with their own worries and concerns. Helping their clients understand the very different ways that we are all having to live our lives during this crisis has not been an easy task.
Safe at home
As the Corvid-19 crisis continues, one of the safest places our most vulnerable can be cared for is in their own home. Otus Live-in Care continues to support clients in West Sussex and across the UK – we have professional and experience carers who are ready to care for someone in their own home. If you would like to speak to us about care for a loved one, we would be happy to talk, without obligation. Tel: 01403 710 119 or email [email protected]