Taking Care Of Others In Isolation

We’ve all heard some well-meaning person say a variation of the same thing over the past couple of months: “we’re all in this together”. For those kind hearted individuals, the phrase is meant to offer comfort, to make us all feel that we’re a family, dealing with a crisis together, while apart. And while it’s a nice sentiment, it’s not exactly true.

The truth of the matter is, while we’re all facing the coronoavirus crisis at the same time and dealing with varying degrees of difficulty, inconvenience and pain, there are some of us who are having a harder time with social isolation, staying healthy, and dealing with loss of income while trying to stay alive. One of the hardest hit groups of people are the disabled community, the chronically ill and those with compromised immune systems.

For those who cannot visit the hospital due to a weakened immune system (as a result of chemotherapy, immune suppressing drugs or illnesses such as RA), the thought of staying healthy and avoiding hospitals is an anxiety-inducing, all-encompassing one. The same is true for the chronically ill and those who are disabled, who are seeing shortages in their medicines and devices, who are trying to make resources stretch on a dwindling income, and who are seeing their necessary doctor’s visits and appointments cancelled for the foreseeable future.

So what can we do to make life easier for these people? There are a number of things we can do in our own communities to help those for whom this social isolation is especially difficult.

Donate time/goods/services
If you’re a crafty person who is able to make a few masks to donate to your neighbors, family, friends, or local healthcare centers, you definitely should do so. There are mask shortages everywhere, and your contribution will be gratefully accepted. If donations aren’t possible due to income issues, charging a small fee is perfectly acceptable. The need is great, so anything you can contribute is appreciated.

If you’re someone with a relatively strong immune system, you’re young and reasonably healthy and able to shop, why not offer to pick up items for the disabled or immune compromised person in your neighborhood? It can make a huge difference to someone who is elderly, sick or unable to get out into the world without major risk.

Donate Money
If you have a little extra to spare, there are a number of charities you can give to to help people in this time of need. Giving to those in your community who are down on their luck is also a wonderful gesture. It doesn’t have to be much; whatever you can spare.

Donate Blood
Many cities are beginning to ask for blood donors, especially those who have life-giving antibodies. If you’re able to donate blood, get down to your local red cross or medical center and donate. This costs you nothing and could help save a life.

These are just a few ways you can help the elderly, disabled, chronically ill and immune-compromised persons in your neighborhood or community in this time of crisis.

This is a contributed post.

Photo: Marie Claire Korea