Particularly in the ongoing crisis of COVID-19, where we’re facing an extended period of stress while simultaneously needing to keep ourselves healthy, we need to nurture resiliency. This is particularly true for healthcare and essential workers on the frontlines. This includes the professionals we work with and our EasyLiving caregivers.
Resiliency During the COVID-19 Crisis
There are six elements to building resiliency:
- Awareness of stressors and our response to stressors.
- The ability to bring about a relaxation response. This means identifying coping strategies and finding new methods where needed.
- The ability to recognize and correct distorted thinking, such as generalizing and exaggerating.
- Appreciation of the good things in life.
- Sense of connectedness with others.
- Healthy sleep, eating, and exercise habits.
While we may understand these things, they can be difficult to nurture during a time of extended crisis. This resiliency roadmap, adapted for deployed healthcare workers during COVID-19, is an excellent tool. Not only does it help you review the elements in your life, but it also provides resources.
You can also read more in our Mental Health Tips for Resiliency During the COVID-19 Crisis. If you or someone you love needs help, whether it be with staying connected and active or preparing healthy meals, reach out to us anytime. We offer free phone and video consultations and an array of services to support you.
COVID-19 Updates: Progress, Ongoing Needs and Community Resiliency and Support
The curve is flattening in Florida, with fewer new cases over the last several days. However, deaths are increasing. And, overall cases reached over 22,000. There is a lot of positive news of resiliency and ingenuity in the community, including this innovation from local medical professionals:
St. Joseph’s Hospital ER doctors and team members created a homemade device to protect health care providers while treating COVID-19 patients. The device is used during intubation, the point of highest risk for spread of the virus to health care personnel. It is now being produced and used throughout BayCare based on prototypes they developed.
AHCA News Regarding Nursing Homes and COVID-19
Florida National Guard has mobile testing teams conducting voluntary testing of staff and residents across the state.
- They will test asymptomatic staff as well as residents with symptoms.
- Ten teams are mobilized with up to 500 tests conducted per day.
- They provide advance notice of 2-3 days to facilities.
Facilities must make contingency plans for staffing. AHCA also reminded facilities that everyone must wear masks, covering both mouth and nose. Essential workers, such as hospice staff and our caregivers, can continue visiting. However, facilities will be working with outside entities to bundle visits and take all precautions.
The AHCA Secretary Visitor stated that visitor restrictions in care facilities will likely be extended for quite some time. A couple other important points:
- The coronavirus stimulus checks will not affect residents’ Medicaid eligibility.
- It is imperative that facilities know patient wishes and have updated documentation.
Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns or need help, our team is here for you. You can call us at 727-447-5845 or 813-333-5020.
