The world feels like a very different place than it did a week ago. And depending on where you live, you may be at different stages of planning for the coming weeks of social distancing, quarantining, or possible sickness (whether that’s actually the coronavirus or even a stomach bug that goes through your family).
Today I released a podcast episode with help for all of us: How Caregiving Families Can Prepare for Emergencies and Epidemics. And along with that episode, I created a downloadable check list. But here it is in blog post form so it’s easy to read and share!
A Check List for Caregiving Families Preparing for the Coronavirus
- Choose a verse or passage to meditate on during this stressful season. (Suggestions: Psalm 23, Isaiah 12:2, Psalm 112:7, Deut. 31:6, Ex. 15:2, 2 Tim. 1:7, John 16:33, Eph. 6:10)
- Get everything you need from the pharmacy, including a full supply of the medicines and supplements your family needs (if you have time, clean out your medicine cabinet and replace any expired products).
- Menu plan for two weeks and get the food you’ll need (including snacks and nonperishable items).
- Make a list of other supplies you’ll need (including pet food, feminine hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and laundry detergent).
- Plan for your loved one’s sensory needs. Rotate toys, visit the library, download movies, take walks outside.
- Make a plan for possible social isolation and/or disrupted routines. Use social stories, visual schedules, and other aides to help ease anxiety and stress.
- If possible, prepare freezer meals. Double the recipe for meals you’re already making and put the leftovers in the freezer to enjoy in the future.
- Post the contact information of friends and loved ones you want to check in with to make sure they have what they need and don’t get too lonely.
- Connect online with other families who are going through the same experience to encourage and support each other. We’d love to have you join us in my Facebook group Self-Care for the Special-Needs Mom
Here’s my prayer for us this week to focus on before we hit the check list: God, You are sovereign over all things and even when the news preys on our fear, we can trust in You. Help us to be wise in the decisions we’re making to keep our families healthy and safe. And help us to also remember to love those You put in our paths. As followers of Christ, we can be a light in this dark time! It’s in his name we pray, amen.
If you haven’t read my book, Unexpected Blessings: The Joys and Possibilities of Life in a Special-Needs Family, now is a great time to start it. The Kindle version is free for Prime members!
