Staying social: 4 ways to help someone with a disability who is social distancing
“Social distancing”, that annoying oxymoron that has become a mainstream expression in the past two years, is difficult for people living with a disability. As a carer, you would know that your clients not only rely on you for support, but they may also require the help of family, doctors, psychologists, and more to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
And whilst now in February 2022 most able-bodied and immuno-sound people are getting out and about despite the ongoing risks of COVID-19, this simply isn’t an option for many people with a disability whose immune system may also be compromised.
Therefore, as a provider of the best disability services Melbourne has, it’s important to encourage any new and existing clients to be social even if they still have to be cautious about who they see in person!
Here are four ways you can encourage your clients to stay social and look after their health in process:
1. Encourage them to ask friends & family for help
It can be difficult for able-bodied people to understand their loved one’s continued need for social distancing and the impact that has on their mental health when things appear to be opening up again.
Therefore, it may be a good idea to encourage your clients to speak to their loved ones about their feelings regarding the continued need to socially distance whilst others are able to get back to some semblance of normality.
This can be done in person, by phone, or by Zoom – it’s just important that they are able to vocalize their feelings, especially if those feelings regard them as feeling left out whilst others are appearing to have a good time.
2. Encourage them to join a class
Your client may have a passion that they are still unable to enjoy because of the ongoing risks of COVID. They may have loved going to the movies, the footy, restaurants, etc. but the ongoing risks of the disease are still prohibiting them from enjoying these public events.
But this doesn’t mean they have to miss out on pursuing their passions, especially if it is something new and exciting! Joining a class promises new friends and opportunities, allowing your client to learn something new whilst meeting like-minded people who share the same interests.
Thankfully, with today’s technology, many health classes are held online, meaning your client can learn an awesome new skill from the comfort of their living room! This can be anything from painting to a new language, cooking, or pottery – the choice is theirs.
3. Catch up with friends with a little distancing involved
Just because someone’s able-bodied friend can go out to the local cafe doesn’t mean they won’t be happy to catch up with their friend via Zoom! A good friend will be more than happy to have a phone or Zoom chat with their friend who still has to socially distance, and this is a great way of continuing to socialize whilst maintaining a level of isolation.
4. Join an online support group
Australia has a wealth of online support groups that are available for people with different disabilities. It is possible that some of the people in the support group will share the difficulties of still having to isolate whilst others get on with their lives, and this can be a great opportunity for your client to meet people who may be suffering from the same process. The link for disability support groups in Australia is here.
