Popping over for a cup of tea & a cuddle is off the cards, but there are plenty of other ways you can support a loved one with COVID-19 (coronavirus). Whether they live near or far, simple acts of kindness are sure to be appreciated
The basics
First things first, let’s have a quick refresher. As most of us know, coronavirus spreads through respiratory droplets created when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes. These droplets can reach another person’s nose, mouth or eyes, or fall onto nearby surfaces and objects.
Whilst there’s no longer a requirement to do a COVID-19 lateral flow test if you have symptoms, if a loved one has tested positive for COVID-19, it’s recommended that they:
• Aim to stay at home and avoid contact with others for three days after they took the test if they are under 18 years old
• Aim to stay and home and avoid contact with others for five days after they took the test if they are 18 years old or over
• Avoid meeting people who are more likely to get seriously ill from viruses, such as people with a weakened immune system, for 10 days after they took the test
This is especially important if they have symptoms and:
• A high temperature
• They don’t feel well enough to go to work, school, childcare, or do their normal activities
They can go back to your normal activities when they feel better and they no longer have a high temperature. However, whilst they’re following the above advice, we’ve pulled together some useful tips for how you can support them:
Stay connected
Texts. Video chats. Phone calls. However you prefer to communicate, staying in touch with your loved one could help to boost their mood and prevent loneliness.
As well as light-hearted chit-chat (cue lots of funny memes), you could encourage them to open up about how they’re really feeling, both physically and mentally.
Help with essentials
Your loved one can’t pop to the shop right now, so lending a hand will mean a lot.
Whether you drop groceries on their doorstep or arrange a delivery from the supermarket, it’s important to ensure your loved one has access to everything they need.
Remember, it’s not just food and drink that will help, you could also offer to help with their prescriptions.
Send a gift
From bouquets (because who doesn’t love flowers?) to bath bombs, sending a little treat to your loved one is a great way to show you’re thinking of them.
If that’s not their thing, you could arrange to send them their favourite takeaway. Edible gifts are always a winner. Plus, it’ll tick ‘cooking’ off their to-do list for the night – win-win!
Walk their dog
Four-legged friend in the picture? If you live nearby, you could offer to take it out for a walk. Even if you’re strapped for time, a short stroll will take a huge weight off your loved one’s shoulders.
Remember, you should wash your hands before and after handling a dog, and keep two metres away from your loved one when handing the dog back over.
Co-ordinate TV time
You can’t be physically together, but you can be together in spirit. Why not arrange to watch the same TV show, and then share your reactions in real time over text or phone call?
Already completed Netflix and Disney+? You could read the same book or magazine and discuss your favourite bits instead.
Reassure them
Being poorly – especially with coronavirus – can have a big impact on a person’s mental health. Let them know it’s OK to feel whatever they’re feeling.
If they’re overwhelmed, you could point them in the direction of some expert advice at Anxiety UK or Mind.
Help ease their symptoms
If your loved one is struggling to manage their coronavirus symptoms, you could do a bit of research on their behalf.
From getting lots of rest and drinking plenty of fluid, to taking pain relief (where suitable), check out our coronavirus advice hub for more information.
Remind them that if they’re worried about their symptoms, or if their symptoms get worse and they’re not sure what to do, they can get medical help and advice from the NHS 111 online coronavirus service.
