Tips during COVID19:
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Be proactive. Follow CDC guidelines for infection control, hygiene, reduction of risk
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Stay informed but limit the amount of time on social media or time spent watching/listening to the news
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Connect with family and friends through video chats and phone calls
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Take advantage of telehealth opportunities
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Reduce anxiety/stress through mindfulness practices and engaging in stimulating and/or creative tasks
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If it’s nice and you are able- spend some time outdoors
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Having a sense of gratitude for all that you have can give you extra hope and positive feelings to better tackle each challenge you are faced with. It may help to create a list to remind yourself!
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Make time to care for yourself! Take a nice bath, listen to music, connect with loved ones, go outside, get creative, and do things that bring you joy.
For those caring for individuals with memory loss:
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It can be helpful to provide extra and/or written reminders to practice proper hygiene.
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Consider placing signs in bathrooms, kitchen, etc. to remind to wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds.
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Demonstrate through your handwashing
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Readily have alcohol-based hand sanitizer around for those unable to wash hands easily.
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Create alternative plans for care if the primary caregiver becomes sick.
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Ask your pharmacist about filling larger prescriptions to reduce trips to the pharmacy.
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Connect with friends and family for assistance to reduce need to go out to grocery store, pharmacy, etc.
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Make time to care for yourself!