Providing care to others during the COVID-19 pandemic can lead to stress, anxiety, fear, and other strong emotions. How you cope with these emotions can affect your well-being, the care you give to others while doing your job, and the well-being of the people you care about outside of work.

During this pandemic, it is critical that you recognize what stress looks like, take steps to build your resilience and cope with stress, and know where to go if you need help.

Tips to cope and enhance your resilience:

• Communicate with your coworkers, supervisors, and employees about job stress.
• Remind yourself that everyone is in an unusual situation with limited resources.
• Identify and accept those things which you do not have control over.
• Recognize that you are performing a crucial role in fighting this pandemic and that you are doing the best you can with the resources available.
• Increase your sense of control by keeping a consistent daily routine when possible — ideally one that is similar to your schedule before the pandemic.
• When away from work, get exercise when you can. Spend time outdoors either being physically activity or relaxing. Do things you enjoy during non-work hours.
• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting and mentally exhausting, especially since you work with people directly affected by the virus.
• If you feel you may be misusing alcohol or other drugs (including prescriptions), ask for help.
• Engage in mindfulness techniques such as breathing exercises and meditation.
• If you are being treated for a mental health condition, continue with your treatment and talk to your provider if you experience new or worsening symptoms.

 Learn more at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/mental-health-healthcare.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fcommunity%2Fmental-health-healthcare.html

Content from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

When choosing to go out in public or visit a loved one at higher risk, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends we pay close attention to our symptoms. For those of us with seasonal allergies, understanding symptoms can present a challenge!  

Seasonal allergies triggered by airborne pollen can lead to seasonal allergic rhinitis, which affects the nose and sinuses, and seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, which affects the eyes. Your sniffles and sneezes may seem like symptoms of COVID-19.

While COVID-19 and seasonal allergies share many symptoms, there are some key differences between the two. 

For example, COVID-19 can cause fever, which is not a common symptom of seasonal allergies. The image below compares symptoms caused by allergies and COVID-19.

*Seasonal allergies do not usually cause shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, unless a person has a respiratory condition such as asthma that can be triggered by exposure to pollen.

This is not a complete list of all possible symptoms of COVID-19 or seasonal allergies. Symptoms vary from person to person and range from mild to severe. You can have symptoms of both COVID-19 and seasonal allergies at the same time.

If you think you have COVID-19, follow CDC’s guidance on ”What to do if you are sick.” If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately.

Covid-19 has been found to spread mainly from person to person via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing face masks to help slow the spread of COVID-19 when combined with every day preventive actions and social distancing in public settings.

Here are some guidelines on how to properly wear and take off a mask.

WEAR YOUR MASK CORRECTLY

USE A MASK TO HELP PROTECT OTHERS

• Wear a mask to help protect others in case you’re infected but don’t have symptoms
• Keep the mask on your face the entire time you’re in public
• Don’t put the mask around your neck or up on your forehead
• Don’t touch the mask, and, if you do, clean your hands

FOLLOW EVERYDAY HEALTH HABITS

• Stay at least 6 feet away from others
• Avoid contact with people who are sick
• Wash your hands often, with soap and water, for at least
• 20 seconds each time
• Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available

TAKE OFF YOUR MASK CAREFULLY WHEN YOU’RE HOME

• Untie the strings behind your head or stretch the ear loops
• Handle only by the ear loops or ties
• Fold outside corners together
• Place mask in the washing machine
• Wash your hands with soap and water

For more info, see: cdc.gov/coronavirus

Michael arrived at Saint Anthony after experiencing a fractured femur from a fall. He needed to relearn how to perform transfers, use the restroom, and dress himself while not putting weight on one of his legs at all. He was persistent with his strengthening program and did his best to follow weight restrictions even though it was a challenge at times. After a few months, Michael was visiting with his doctor and let out a shout of excitement as he was cleared to put weight on both his legs again! Michael began to complete more rigorous exercises, with focus on balance and stability, and has made a full recovery and a safe return home! Great job Michael!

Gregory Treanor came to Majestic Care of Whitehall after sustaining a traumatic injury from a fall. From his initial assessment, he was unable to follow any commands, was incoherent and required total care.

Gregory participated with Physical, Occupational and Speech therapies to focus on balance, endurance, gross motor movement and functional problem solving. Through therapy, his strength, orientation, memory and cognition have improved significantly. He has returned home to live independently and does not have any restrictions!

The Care Team is so proud of Gregory’s perseverance and is a shining example of success!

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Please note | This photo was taken prior to Covid-19 rules & restrictions

Mr. Don Ulrey arrived at Majestic Care of Avon from Eskenazi Hospital for rehabilitation services. Upon arrival, Don needed assistance with activities of daily living and transfers as he experienced shortness of breath and low endurance during his daily tasks. With the help of Reliant Rehab and Majestic Care of Avon, Don was able to successfully return to his home independently, safely, and stronger than before! Congratulations, Don! We were happy to help you during your rehabilitation journey!