With self-isolating and social distancing, this can be a particularly difficult or stressful time for many. However, Bath Mind have highlighted that there are lots of things you can try that could help your mental health and wellbeing.
Download your Guide to Care at Home to discover how, with a little support, you can continue to live happily and safely at home.
They have created a great Coronavirus support and wellbeing page on their website which is full of useful tips and advice. We have pulled out some of the key ideas below:
How can you keep mentally well?
Manage your immediate environment
Cleaning your house, doing laundry and washing yourself are important ways to help stop germs spreading and can make you feel more in control of your personal situation.
If you’re feeling claustrophobic, try pulling up blinds and opening windows as best as you can. Whilst you’re indoors more than normal, it’s important to still benefit from fresh air.
If you live with other people, have a chat about how you could use different spaces in the home. Understand what each person needs and agree some new ‘house rules’ that help everyone feel more at ease. They don’t have to be strict rules or permanent, just some ways of making living together easier.
Stay active
The government has allowed one form of outdoor exercise a day so make sure you use it when possible. Exercise can be anything that gets your body moving and heart rate up, like walking or cycling. A few of Bath Mind’s favourites are below:
NHS 10-minute workouts: The 10-minute workout ideas are perfect if you’ve only got a bit of spare time when you’re at home.
#StayInWorkOut: Tips, advice and guidance on how to keep or get active in and around your home from Sport England.
Active 10: The Active 10 app is a great way to help you monitor and gradually increase your brisk walking over time.
Parasport: Parasport have created accessible home workouts that ideal for wheelchair users and those just getting started or haven’t been active for a while.
Yoga with Adriene: Yoga instructor Adriene offers hundreds of free YouTube videos guiding you through different practices. From complete beginner sessions to 30-day challenges, you can find yoga for all levels here.
Or check out our blog on Keeping fit and healthy at home for more ideas.
Keep taking your medication
Continue taking your medication as planned, and make sure you know when you need to order any repeat prescriptions. You might be able to order repeat prescriptions by phone or online using an app or website if your doctor’s surgery offers this. You could download the free NHS App and search for your surgery.
Ask your pharmacy about getting your medication delivered or ask someone else to collect it for you. Make sure anyone collecting medication knows if they have to pay for it.
Be careful about buying medication online. You should only buy from registered pharmacies.
Support others in your household
If you’re living with others in your household, you may need to support them as well as yourselves. If you need some guidance as a carer Carers UK has information on providing care for someone who is staying at home, what to do if you start to have symptoms of coronavirus and making a plan for your caring responsibilities in case you become ill.
Compassion Community Hub
Virgin Care, 3SG, BaNES Council, CCG and third sector health service providers, including Bath Mind, have launched the Bath & North East Somerset COVID-19 Compassion Community Hub for those who are self-isolating or shielding and in need of help.
Call them on 0300 247 0050 9am-5pm, 7 days a week, if:
you need to collect a prescription
you require an emergency food parcel
you need a gas or electricity meter top-up
you are feeling anxious or lonely and need to talk to somebody
For further information or advice from Bath Mind visit their Coronavirus support and wellbeing page.
Helping you to continue living independently and confidently in your own home.
By providing a range of support at home, we’re helping many clients across Bath & North East Somerset and West Wiltshire retain their independence and stay in control in the comfort of their own homes.
Remember we’re always here if you want to chat about your care options. Just get in touch:
Call 0333 043 4880 or email enquiries@abneyandbaker.com