Caring for the vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic

April 19, 2020 5

We are living in uncertain times. The current COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has changed the way that we are having to go about our lives. Shops, bars, restaurants, and non-essential businesses all over the world have closed their doors, and many countries have entered quarantine, lockdown, or have implemented severe social distancing measures.

All of this is having a huge impact on every aspect of our lives. Many people are unable to work. Businesses have had to close their doors, and many of them may never reopen. The world is heading towards a global recession which threatens to be the biggest we will have experienced since the great depression.

But alongside all of the health and financial concerns, it’s important that we take the time to look for ways to help the more vulnerable in our societies.

Of course, with restrictions on our interactions with other people in place, it is essential that we do this in a safe and considered manner.

Here is how you can look out for those who are more vulnerable than yourself during the time of the coronavirus pandemic.

Identify those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic

Think about your friends, relatives, and neighbors. Who in your life will be affected during this outbreak? Are there people who live by themselves? Do you know people who are ill or have limited mobility? Who will be most at risk if they caught the virus? Do you know people with mental health problems? Or that had been going through difficult life situations prior to the pandemic?

Identify people who might be finding the whole situation more challenging that you. Although you might be able to visit these people, there are things that you can do to help them out.

Phone a friend

Every day, try and phone a few people that you think might be lifted by some contact. Those that live on their own may really enjoy the opportunity to talk to someone else.

Listening to those that are alone or that need to talk will mean a lot to many.

Help out people with the practicalities of the COVID-19 situation

You may have elderly friends, relatives or neighbors that will need help applying for their senior citizens’ stimulus. Take some time to find out whether they have read and understood what they need to do, and if they need help, do your best to find the information that they need and support them with their application.

It can be very overwhelming to have to deal with something so important that you don’t fully understand. You could help relieve a considerable amount of stress by helping out.

Offer to run errands

If you are in a lockdown situation, you may still be able to go out and do some essential shopping or get them something to eat from the local eatery.

Offer to pick up shopping to those in your life that need it. If you can shop for two or three people, it will help reduce the number of people going out to the stores and make life easier for those that need your help.