Thursday, 6 August 2020

Stay isolated? Covid the disability Carer dilemma...

Hi guys, things seem to be moving forward in dealing with Covid 19. Cafe's, pubs and some hospitality areas are open now and folk can carefully go out again or so it seems but it's very scary for those who've been shielded away for so long! 
Going out? is it safe? Questions, questions?
With every news report and update, more hot spots and pockets of infection are reported and it feels like one step forwards and another step back so...we're still isolating...mostly! We've been out in the car a few times had a wee cuppa  - it's like the old days of childhood, take a picnic and a cuppa and enjoy the peace and quiet but now it feels so different. It's not by choice, it's to ensure as minimal contact as possible with the outside world! I'm not sure I like this new way of living but Coo is still terrified of infection after the hell of aspiration pneumonia that left him with a COPD and asthma legacy and that's hard to get past especially as other places begin to lockdown again!
Changes...
Life has changed, especially for Carers and disabled people. Let's face it everyone is worried, factor in additional health conditions, life limiting issues and daily updates and stats on a deadly virus - it was never going to be easy for us was it but what to do? Continue to role with the punches, pick up the pieces and carry on - it's what carers have always done isn't it?
I'm coping mostly! Life is a challenge and we just muddle along through and find a way. Granted this time, the Covid virus has had a prolonged impact and still continues to cast it's shadow so it's been particularly difficult to sustain some positivity but we're still here and we're still going. Just like millions of other carers across our country, thankfully we're a hardy bunch!
School's returning...
Lot's of folks will be celebrating some form of normality returning as schools open up but my heart is filled with dread. After the prolonged period of enforced seclusion, we just got used to hugging our grand-babies again and I'm now dreading another prolonged isolation from them, whilst we wait and see if infection spikes or is it safe enough to continue contact? 
Spending some time with our wee grand babies over the last month has kept me sane and still connected to life and the outside world. I'm going to struggle to relinquish this again. I really hope I won't be back relegated to my seat on the drive, looking through the window. I know how awful that is, living life stuck inside with just glimpses of the busy world going on outside but it passed and this will too!
I really feel for carers who are struggling on alone at the moment. I remember just how difficult that was and hope and pray, things will start to improve for us all soon.
((hugs))
Maz x