Sincere thanks to CAREGivers all over Ireland

PAID CONTENT: Home Instead, Marlinstown Office Park, Mullingar - 044 9385260; www.homeinstead.ie

By Jonathan Acton

What next? Who Knows? Because this crazy pandemic came upon us so fast and furious one thing we can be sure of is we are sure of nothing.

There are many critics of the Department of Health, HSE and our politicians, but to be fair, this unprecedented situation can be best described by the words of Dolores O'Riordan: "It’s changing every day, in every possible way.”

I think to date all parties involved have acted responsibly and timely in an effort to save lives.

There are so many moving parts and changing statistics each day that we need to bend with the wind and embrace change.

Thankfully the signs are clear that everyone is doing their bit for the cause.

It’s quite noticeable that people are choosing to #STAYHOMEINSTEAD as the streets are so empty and the traffic is back to 1960 levels in Mullingar.

In addition, statistically, we have reduced the COVID R value to less than 1, which seemed at one point a fairytale goal.

Frustrations are building for all and for many different and aligned reasons.

For some, it’s difficult to be at home for such a long period of time. I know I find Christmas can be challenging at times (as I literally have no patience), so multiply that timeframe by six, take out the presents, festive joy and decorations, sprinkle in a bit of tension and monotony, and the result can be carnage.

But this is our test, we need to work through this together the best we can.

The likelihood is that the restrictions will be in place for weeks to come yet, possibly till the June bank holiday, so we need to try make this sustainable for everyone in our households.

I also think we need to look beyond our own homes and reach out to family, friends and neighbours who could do with our help or support.

The reality of these restrictions is now the entire country has got a first hand understanding of what life is like for many of the isolated seniors throughout our community.

And I’m not just talking about the period relating to Covid-19; I mean all year round, year after year, there are seniors in our community facing this kind of social isolation and loneliness.

Maybe these restrictions will help people understand what life must be like for a senior who is confined to base, weather base is home, a nursing home or hospital.

Each day we tune into the news and hear frightening figures in relation deaths and clusters in nursing homes.

How amazing are the staff that go to work day in day out to ensure they can provide care in a working environment that is truly frightening at present.

I can only imagine the anxiety and fear this is causing not only for the service users but also their families and all the care workers in these homes.

We wish you all the best at this time and our thoughts are with you all.

And finally there is truly special group of CAREGivers quietly working away at present in our community that don’t seem to be receiving praise and encouragement for the selfless work they are doing.

I am, of course talking, about homecare workers the length and breath of Ireland who are professionally caring for people in their own homes.

In many cases this is done with very limited PPE but always with a heart and a half.

This remarkable group of people ensure seniors can stay safely at home around their family and friends where they want to be.

Sincere thanks to all CAREGivers all over Ireland.