Your answers: Coping with coronavirus

CalT says,

‘Dad is 86 and physically fit. He lives on his own in a flat and is used to going out for a newspaper and to Sainsbury’s local. He has frozen ready meals for his evening meal. I have had real problems stopping him going out in spite of big signs etc.

‘I know he won’t have a clue about social distancing.

‘I have set alarms on my phone and call him in the morning to remind him not to go out and to get slices of frozen bread out to defrost (this conversation takes forever). I’ve also bought cup-a-soups, as I think he can deal with those.

He can’t get his head round the virus thing, but I have organised things so that he hasn’t a reason to go out... unless he starts going out again for a paper.’

hrh says,

‘The care home provide a daily app so we can see what fluid and food and daily care she is receiving, but these updates are only as good as the operator.

‘The algorithms only allow information built into the computer, so although you can see information you have to read between the lines. This can be just as upsetting – being present allows you to see them and they know you are there. 

‘The care home allows us to have a window visit, but this is heart-wrenching too, to be so close but not hold their hand.’

Grahamstown says,

‘I feel that I am in a sort of limbo, coping but beginning to realise that this is going to go on for a long time for my age group (80+). Where is my husband?

‘He is in another world where I cannot go, and I am struggling to grieve because I have to keep going day by day.

‘I am pretty contented – although I am alone most of the time, I don’t mind my own company. I am beginning to wonder if life will be much different when we can enter more normal life, and that is depressing.

‘There was a huge amount of audiovisual contact during the first week or two of the lockdown, but as the weeks go on everyone is in the same boat, starting to feel it and contact has really dropped off.

‘I contact people myself and they seem pleased to hear from me, I get the impression that they need the comfort.’

White Rose says,

‘I’ve discovered Zoom and Houseparty. I particularly like Zoom as you can use it on the laptop. Easy to download and free. It’s nice to actually be able to see people when you talk to them.

‘We are at least used to this kind of life more than non-carers who might have a busier social life. 

‘My answer for feeling down is putting my favourite music on, preferably quite loud. Luckily my person with dementia also likes music.’