Surviving Corona Virus (so far) for a family of 5, including an at-risk member
I must say Australia is doing its best. It has been very hard to keep a country that has an outdoor-oriented lifestyle, indoors.
We are a family of five, including an elderly member who is at risk. The rest of the family are two kids who go to school and two adults with no known comorbid conditions.
While I do not want to sound smug that we have survived the COVID-19 virus (I would never ever challenge this virus), this is what we have been doing so far.
We are just doing our bit to flatten the curve. Hopefully this helps.
- Help isolate the at-risk individual.
This is non-negotiable. Do whatever it can to help this person self isolate. Dedicated utensils, cooking vessels, surgical gloves, cereal supply and if possible a dedicated mini-fridge, tablet with wi-fi and a television.
Fortunately, the country is blessed with wide-open spaces, so we usually find out a good, quiet time for this individual to go for a short walk to stay sane. Early afternoons or later mornings work best. I understand this is not possible in dense urban living spaces. Alternatives are calm, deep breathing and staying connected over video chats with other relatives across the world.
Mental health is important during these times.
2. Share carer responsibilities among the adults, one week at a time
One dedicated carer per week, who isolates and is extra diligent about self-care and hygiene. This is needed only for at-risk patients who need that extra hand. This structure helps with the balance at home, helps get agreements from employers and plan additional leaves as may be required.
3. The other adult works and looks after the children
Kids need care, possibly more than the elderly. Adults need to work.
The kids need to be monitored and coached about washing hands, putting stuff to wash and not holding onto railings etc at public places.
Kids care, self care and monitoring the kids to new habits are the responsibilities of the other adult.
All social engagements are cancelled. Birthday parties have gone virtual. Sleepovers too!
4. Kids go to school
Australia has not mandated school closures as yet. Kids have been going to school. The underlying rationale seems that if kids are home, parents will need to be home too, and some of them may be health workers. Thankfully they are healthy and are in the lowest risk category. One cannot bolt kids down beyond a certain point.
This is what we are upto. Our little way to flatten the curve. Keen to hear your thoughts.
