Becoming a carer for someone with Long Covid
There is no formal process which means you ‘become’ a carer.
Particularly with Long COVID, it’s often something that just happens. Family, partners and friends find themselves in the role of a carer when their loved one becomes unwell.
Often, people do not see themselves as carers, especially during the early stages. They just see themselves helping a loved one after a COVID infection. It may be difficult to accept the new title of carer. Acceptance can take time.
Watching a loved one become unwell with Long COVID can be very confusing, difficult and frightening. Many carers find themselves moving between hope, grief, frustration and acceptance, as they adjust to the changes brought by Long COVID.
It is difficult to know how long that Long COVID will last. Many carers may think that the care will be short-term, but sadly, sometimes it can last for years. Carers often find themselves wondering when their loved one will recover, whether symptoms will improve, and what the future may look like.
Long COVID is a complex illness. Often it can be confusing. With over two hundred known symptoms, when you first begin caring for someone with Long COVID, it can be difficult to understand. For example, it can take a while to understand that what looks like inactivity may be a person carefully managing their limited energy. It may be helpful to view our ‘What is Long Covid?’ webpage for further information.
It is likely that you understand your loved one’s needs better than anyone. However, Long COVID can be difficult to understand. You may both still be learning what helps, what doesn’t help, and how their needs may change.
Some ideas to think about are below.
What can I do?
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Ask your loved one what would make everyday life easier for them. This may be preparing meals, helping with household tasks, collecting their medication, driving them to appointments, or helping with paperwork. Their needs may change depending on their symptoms and energy levels.
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It can help to ensure that your loved one maintains as much independence as possible. Work with them to find out what they are able to do for themselves, whether there are times when they are more independent, and what support they need from you.
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It is likely that your loved one is experiencing grief. They likely need emotional support. You can support them by validating their feelings, prompting check-ins from loved ones, and, if needed, encouraging them to access talking therapy.
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It is important to stay safe from germs to protect your loved one from infection. Some people with Long COVID may experience a deterioration in their health after infection, especially from COVID. Protecting them could involve wearing a face mask in high-risk settings such as hospitals, sanitising one’s hands regularly, and respecting their preferences around infection control.
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When becoming a carer for a loved one, it may change your relationship with them. Sometimes you may feel close. Other times you may feel disconnected. You may miss the way things used to be and mourn your lost life with your loved one. Caring for someone is hard, and it’s OK to feel that. It may help to first and foremost consider yourself as their partner, friend or relative. Find common interests and hobbies to do together, so that the relationship is not centred around caregiving.