Keeping brain injury survivors safe when Covid-19 rules ease: how a neuro OT can help.
Keeping in step with safety laws in the days of Covid-19 is like dancing to the Hokey Cokey - but how can we ensure brain injury survivors stay in sync too?
With lockdown restrictions fluctuating across the UK in line with local infection rates, and new terms like ‘the rule of 6’ and ‘support bubble’ popping up, we could all be forgiven for missing a beat.
But as brain injury survivors return to work, education, voluntary and leisure activities, it is more important than ever that they remain updated.
Here’s how neuro occupational therapists can help them do that:
Weigh the risk
The Government changed its Covid-19 risk ratings recently for people at greater threat from coronavirus and there is nothing to say they won’t change them again as new evidence emerges.
Keep an eye on current risk ratings here: NHS - Coronavirus risk ratings
It’s also worth checking restrictions caused by coronavirus case numbers in your local area as they may differ from other places in the UK.
Find updates here: (England) GOV-UK Restrictions; (Scotland) GOV-UK Restrictions; (Wales) GOV-UK Restrictions; (N. Ireland) GOV-UK Restrictions
Keep it clean
We should all be washing our hands regularly and for 20 seconds each time throughout the day. Here’s a handy reminder: https://www.krysalisconsultancy.co.uk/images/showcase/WP2/IG-Do-wash-your-hands---White-.jpg
Go undercover
By law, face coverings must be worn in the UK now in many indoor spaces, including shops and libraries, and on public transport.
There are, however, exemptions for people with certain disabilities or hidden health conditions, such as cognitive impairments.
Further details, as well as instructions to make a face mask can be found here: Face coverings - when to wear one and how to make your own.
Space out
Social distancing is a term that is used to describe keeping our distance from other people. This phrase has become a social norm since the pandemic started.
Here is a reminder of the latest rules:
Outdoors:
- Keep at least 2 metres of space between you and others you don’t live with.
- Avoid crowded areas and close or physical contact with people you don’t live with.
- Avoid shouting or singing as the virus spreads in droplets when we cough, sneeze or even just talk.
- Try not to touch things others have touched. Use hand sanitizer regularly.
Indoors:
- Keep at least 2 metres of space between you and others you don’t live with.
- If 2 metres isn’t practical, keep 1 metre of space apart, wearing face masks and with windows open.
- Avoid close or physical contact with people you don’t live with.
- Try not to touch things other people have touched. Regularly wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
More social distancing advice here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-meeting-with-others-safely-social-distancing/coronavirus-covid-19-meeting-with-others-safely-social-distancing
Be blown away
We can now increase the number of people we have close contact with during the pandemic by forming a ‘support bubble’ with another household.
For example, a single person who lives with their carer can link up with another single-adult household.
More on support bubbles here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/making-a-support-bubble-with-another-household
Stick to 6
When seeing family and friends we don’t live with:
- Meet in groups of no more than 6. It’s called ‘the rule of 6’ law and we may have to pay a £100 fine if we break it!
- Follow social distancing rules.
- Limit how many different people are seen over a short period.
- Meet outdoors, where practical, as it’s safer in the fresh air.
The rule of 6 doesn’t apply to work and some other settings, including:
- providing support to a vulnerable person.
- religious and other belief-based ceremonies - up to 30 people in a public place is allowed.
- organised sport /exercise classes and licensed outdoor physical activity.
- support groups providing mutual aid or therapy, including support to people with long-term illnesses and those who have suffered a bereavement.
Details on other rules of 6 exemptions here: GOV advice - meeting with others safely
Test and trace
Everyone attending an organised event must give their contact details to the organiser for the NHS Covid-19 test and trace programme.
The programme is tracking the spread of the virus and alerts people who have been in contact with others testing positive for the virus.
Anyone contacted may be asked to self-isolate at home and get a test. More here: NHS Test and trace - how it works
One step at a time
For some brain injury survivors, meeting up with family, friends or co-workers they may not have seen for months due to lockdown will be daunting.
The change in routine brought by resuming work, social or voluntary activities could prove equally overwhelming after months at home.
These changes may heighten some of the problems they already have, or cause distress or anxiety.
Neuro occupational therapists can offer guidance at such times. Further insights here: Krysalis - executive skills and brain injury - dealing with the unexpected
Related articles
World patient safety day - 10 questions a neuro OT should be asking
Treating yourself with compassion - Part one
Expert stress and anxiety advice for brain injury survivors during the covid 19 pandemic