NOW OPEN. The MSE Forum's energy-themed Ask An Expert event is open for questions. Visit the dedicated board to ask MSE Gary & MSE Andrew about gas & electricity
Carers with Corona virus
10.8K Posts


What would a disabled person be expected to do - if their partner /carer gets this virus?
For myself - shopping is impossible - mobility is too poor
Is the government going to offer advice on what to do?
For myself - shopping is impossible - mobility is too poor
Is the government going to offer advice on what to do?
0
This discussion has been closed.
Latest MSE News and Guides
Replies
Some people need turning every 2-3 hours.... some others are just idle and their "carer" just makes them cups of tea all day and a sandwich lunch, things the cared-for-person could have done for themselves but would've taken them an hour apiece.
Some people could look after themselves if they had to, they've just always had an on-site partner who just slid into the role and they sat back and just convinced themselves it's needed. Some people would die without essential things being done to/for them.
If somebody's got the virus, there'll have been enough people around for the other person to say "Oi, what about me?" and there'd be a system for that.
I am stocking her up too now with some extra supplies (she always has at least a week of food anyway) so you could do that.
I wouldn't sit back and wait for government to cover every eventuality - they will be stretched to the limit and there is no magic secret supply of extra carers with coronavirus immunity who can step in.
I'd expect neighbours and local communities to start rallying too - I would happily drop supplies at doors where needed.
I suggest if you and your carer have no contingency plans already you check what is out there in your area. I know it varies by area as I live in a different one to mum. I had no idea myself until mum had a hospital admission last year what services are out there. Her return home involved emergency care at home by social services who introduced lots of services I did not know existed and I said yes to everything and learnt from there. You HAVE to help yourselves first not just complain and hope - seriously not meant as a dig but get ringing and see what you can sort. Your carer would welcome some peace of mind as well no doubt, not just for coronavirus.
https://www.carersuk.org/search/planning-for-emergencies
https://carers.org/article/emergency-schemes-carers
https://www.foryoubyyou.org.uk/our-services/caring/carers-emergency-plan-1
https://www.enable.org.uk/get-support-information/families-carers/future-planning/emergency-planning/
https://gloucestershirecarershub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Gloucestershire-Carers-Emergency-Scheme-A5-Flyer-002-210819.pdf
Etc, etc
Your wife would also be up the creek if she was ill as presumably there is noone to care for her either. You should be looking at contingencies for both of you but your posts are very much 'I' focussed. I hope that's just the way you write. Hopefully you can get to work on some plans now pending any 'government' updates.
At what point will, potential help from charities or local authorities be removed due to the large numbers of affected people ?
What are the actual physical symptoms ?
Apart from fever, cough and shortness of breath....
ie) Does it knock you for 6 - and you just want to curl up and sleep ?