PREPARING FOR COVID-19
The New Zealand government’s requirement for all of those entering the country to go into 14 days self-isolation has now come into effect, the New Zealand Reserve Bank has taken 0.75 points off the Official Cash Rate, and Air New Zealand announced that it was suspending 85% of overseas routes. And all that was only this morning.
While the current level of reported infections in New Zealand and Australia remains low in comparison to many other countries (as I write 8 and 298 confirmed cases respectively), none of us can predict how this pandemic will develop. However, there are three things that I am certain of. Firstly, on top of themselves, their families, friends and communities, all of those working in out-of-home care will also be worrying about children and young people in OOHC, care leavers, and foster carers. Secondly, while the vulnerabilities of the elderly are clearly understood, some of those in or recently in OOHC and their families will also have health or other vulnerabilities. Thirdly, and based on previous emergencies, much more will be expected of those working in OOHC, and other social care and health professionals, in the weeks, and more likely months, to come.
It’s a long time since I’ve been an OOHC manager, let alone a practitioner. However, my hope is that you will all be able to:
Carve out some time to look after yourself and attend to the basics – sleep, exercise, hydration, eating well and rest.
Pay attention to your relationships with partners, children, other family members, friends, neighbours, and colleagues – many people, including you, may be under heightened pressure and stress.
Make full use of your formal clinical supervision, management, and/or other informal support arrangements.
Be open about your concerns for those you work with in residential and foster care. What are the most likely impacts with the most serious consequences? What contingency arrangements need to be put in place, by who, when and how? All organisations have risk management systems and process that could and should be utilised in circumstances such as these.
And try and also recognise and build upon, your own and everybody else’s strengths and resilience.