COVID-19 caregiver resources.

Helpful information and tips for caregivers. 

COVID-19 guidelines for treatment. We follow National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) guidelines for treatment.

Keep informed on our visitation policy. Our visitation policy may change based on pandemic trends. 

Designate a single point of contact. To ensure you and your family receive the most updated information regarding your loved one's plan of care, identify one person we can communicate with to provide updates. Please provide that name to your nurse.

Utilize technology. Although your face-to-face time with your loved one may be limited, there are numerous opportunities to communicate with them, including their bedside phone and using personal devices to connect through FaceTime, Google Hangouts and Skype. You may want to consider labeling your loved one's phones and chargers to ensure they do not get misplaced in the event of a room reassignment.

Create a short list of questions. We know you will have questions along the way and recommend you keep a list of items to ask your caregiver when you have the opportunity. This will help ensure you don't forget any important questions during those conversations.

We are here to help. If you need emotional support, we offer a free support line, staffed by licensed counselors seven days a week between 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Please call the support line at 321.434.7700.

Remember to take care of yourself. We know this is a stressful time. Here are some things you can do to not forget about taking care of yourself:

  • Take a breath and try routine breathing (hold your breath and count to seven and exhale and count to eight)
  • Spend time connecting with people who lift you up and fill your heart
  • Get some exercise
  • Get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids
  • Keep a normal schedule - including for sleep
  • Eat regular, balanced meals
  • Talk to a family member you trust

 

Additional resources. 

Taking Care of YOU: Self-Care for Family Caregivers (Family Caregiver Alliance)
5 Things You Need to Know When Your Loved One is in ICU (caregiver.com)
14 Life-Changing Tips for Managing Caregiver Stress (caringbridge.org)
7 Tips for Caregivers to Relieve Stress (verywellmind.com)