Advice For Meeting Back Up With Family
As the government relaxed the lockdown restrictions and suspended the asylum for clinically vulnerable people from August 1, many families are now happily reuniting or preparing to do so. However, the risk of COVID-19 still exists, and wise precautions should be taken when meeting with a clinically vulnerable family who has been shielded before.
If you’re still shielding
The government’s proposal is being carried out in two phases. The first phase was implemented on July 4 and stated that up to six people (not necessarily from the same family) (including those previously shielded) can gather outdoors. However, maintaining social isolation is still critical to keeping the risk of transmission as low as possible. Vulnerable people will be able to leave their homes, but it is still recommended to keep them to a minimum to keep potential exposure to the virus low.
Support Bubbles
The support bubble or social bubble is composed of two families who can spend time in each other's homes to gain physical and emotional support without social distancing. One family can be an elderly person living alone, or a single-parent family with children under 18, and the other can be a friend or family member.
In order to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, a social bubble was introduced. Government guidelines recommend that your support bubble should always be with the same person, because contact with many other people (especially if they do the same) may put you at greater risk.
It is also important to remember that your caregiver is part of the support bubble. Your Bloom & Care carer will always maintain good hand hygiene and use proper PPE when necessary, but you should also remind those around you to wash their hands regularly, and do so yourself.
Activities to enjoy as a family
Going outdoors is good for your physical and mental health, but you must be cautious when trying to restore normality in your daily life. Your caregiver will be able to support you based on your decision, so you can talk to them (and other relevant healthcare professionals) to determine the best way for both parties to benefit from it.
Local parks and open spaces can be very enjoyable on a nice sunny day, but remember that you still have to pay attention to social distancing when you are with anyone who is not in your support bubble. Fortunately, while following these measures, you and your family can enjoy many activities, including walking pets, drinking coffee in the morning, and even doing some weekly activities such as book clubs, gardening and crafts, and of course, at the same time maintaining social distancing.