#Careforcarers: this is how we collectively take care of our caregivers

Covid-19 is in the country, and the main message is “Stay at home”. But we have a slightly different message for our “caregivers”; the message for them is: “Leave your home and take care of us” And it’s high time they were also able to count on support and care.

Whether it’s those who take care of the sick, keep the shops open, care for our children, maintain safety, transport goods, or perform other essential jobs, we need them even more during this period. Even though they share the same fears as the rest of the population, they are there for us every day, and that deserves our utmost respect. With various solidarity actions, we as a society are already trying to support them (applause, sewing mouth masks, “healthcare heroes”), and all of this is great.

Not to be taken for granted

Unfortunately, our heroes are also confronted with other reactions. From a lack of understanding for our medical staff (“It’s just their job.”), to aggression in supermarkets. Fear sometimes takes hold of us, causing a collective panic that makes us forget the sacrifice that healthcare professionals and other service providers are now making for us. Because while others remain safe in their bubbles, hoarding toilet paper and food, caregivers are leaving their partners and children so the rest of the country can continue.

We should not take for granted the fact that they are skipping breaks, working double shifts to cover sick colleagues, putting themselves and their families in danger to take care of others, and going to extremes.

Do we fully understand that many of them are going beyond their limits to take care of us, and that we should actually be very grateful for that?

Do we not think they might prefer to stay safe “at home” to take care of their children, parents, partner? Have we forgotten that they have the same emotional needs as we do, but choose instead to provide care?

To make it possible for them to continue to provide care, it is our responsibility to take care of them as well. After all, you can’t get water from an empty jug. When all the caregivers collapse exhausted one by one, the jug will be empty, and there will be no one left to take care of us.

So let’s replenish their jug with water, together. How can we do that?

Visitors to care institutions or public services, you must take care of our carers

  • Show gratitude for each carer who is currently doing his/her job.
  • Show patience when things don’t go the way you want them to.
  • Acknowledge they are doing everything in their power, and show them some respect for that.
  • Remind yourself, and them, of the fact that they too are only human and occasionally need a break and rest.
  • Let them know they are THE BEST, and that we stand behind them and that they deserve our full gratitude.

In short, take care of our carers so they can continue to take care of us.

Carers, take good care of each other.

As care providers, you are working long, hard hours every day to help others, and that’s fantastic. In these times it’s especially important for the team to look after each other. The corona stress can be overwhelming, and that’s completely normal, but we can beat corona together.

In your case, caring for carers means taking care of each other. Together you are strong.

Carers, take care of yourselves.

As a caregiver, you are showing your commitment to others every day, and that’s great. However, don’t forget that you also need care, support and rest. And right now, it’s even more important to recharge your batteries regularly and step back from the corona stress for a while. Is that selfish? Not at all! On the contrary, by taking good care of yourself, you can continue to take good care of others.

Join us and #careforcarers.