By Tim Summers, AARP Montana State Director
Even in ordinary times, the 114,000 unpaid family caregivers in Montana face a daunting set of daily tasks. Oftentimes with little or no training, they may be responsible for wound care, tube feedings, dressing, transportation, managing the finances and medical bills of their loved ones and more.
Of course, these are no ordinary times.
The coronavirus pandemic has complicated the lives of family caregivers, especially those with older loved ones who are most susceptible to COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. It has added fear, anxiety and isolation to an already-stressful situation. Here in Montana, routines have been upended as communities cope with this disease. Among other measures, Governor Bullock has suspended visitation in Montana’s nursing homes, except for certain compassionate care situations, to help stop the spread of the virus to especially vulnerable populations.
Since the outbreak of the virus, AARP has been urging family caregivers to develop a plan in case they get sick or their loved one does. Our recommendations include:
Pull Together a Team. Develop a list of family and friends who can perform daily caregiving tasks. If available, identify local caregiving services that may offer a respite for family and friends.
Identify Local Services. In response to the virus, many restaurants, pharmacies and grocery stores are adding or increasing their pick-up and delivery services.
AARP Montana has launched a new webpage to help locate resources for those affected by COVID-19 (found at aarp.org/montanacoronavirus).
The federal government’s Eldercare Locator (found at eldercare.acl,gov) can help you find support services in your area.
The new online “AARP Community Connections” (found at aarpcommunityconnections.org) enables people to enter their zip codes and find informal groups of neighbors and friends offering help right in their own communities.
Inventory Essential Items. Determine how much food, medication, and basic supplies your care recipient has on hand. We recommend a two-week supply of food, water, household cleaning supplies and medical materials and equipment.
Get Prescriptions in Order. Make sure you have a list of medications, medical contacts and important information about your loved one, such as drug allergies. If there are upcoming routine medical appointments, reschedule those or, if possible, switch to a virtual visit. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends having an extra 30-day supply of essential medications on hand. Don’t forget over-the-counter medications such as cough suppressants and fever reducing drugs like acetaminophen.
Stay Connected. Isolation is a big issue as we all follow the social distancing guidance from the CDC. However, social distancing doesn’t have to lead to social disconnection. Develop a communication plan and identify times when members of the care team will check in on your loved one. Skype, Zoom and Facetime are useful digital apps that can help, but so are lower-tech options like email, texting and telephone calling. To help fight the isolation, encourage people to send cards, letters, magazines, puzzles or other items a loved one would be happy to receive.
Protect Yourself. Now more than ever, it is important for family caregivers to take care of themselves. Follow the CDC guidelines of washing hands frequently, avoiding crowds, practice social distancing and, by all means, if you feel sick stay home. If you develop the virus, you will be of little use to those who are counting on you.
To help caregivers, AARP has a dedicated, toll-free family caregiving line for people looking after a loved one. Live operators are available to take calls Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (MT) at 877-333-5885.
AARP also has a Facebook group (facebook.com/groups/aarpfamilycaregivers) where caregivers get tips from experts, share their own stories and sometimes just get a little encouragement from others in a similar situation.
You can also find answers to many of your questions online at the AARP Caregiver Resource Center aarp.org/caregiving.
Our caregiving information and services are free and available to everyone.
Our founder, Ethel Percy Andrus, said, “What we do, we do for all” – that founding principle continues to guide us and has never been more important than it is today. Working together – and caring for each other – we will get through this.
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