How you can help your elderly neighbours if they're self-isolating
This is a great idea
Last updated 16th Mar 2020
Now that people are being asked to self-isolate if they have a fever or cough, even if they're minor symptoms, it is the perfect time to check on your elderly friends and neighbours, who might be affected.
Although there are many ways to keep in touch with those who might be self-isolating, Becky Wass, a university lecturer from Cornwall has shared a great way to let them know you're available to help, without coming into contact with them directly.
Taking to Facebook to share a card that can be printed out, Becky posted, 'I’ve been feeling pretty helpless watching the news. Maybe you have too? I wanted to do something about it, so I’ve made a postcard that I’ll be posting to my older neighbours as this progresses (after washing my hands!).'
She continued, 'If just one person feels less lonely or isolated when faced with this pandemic, then I’ll feel better about it (I hope!)
'Coronavirus is scary. Let’s make kindness go viral.'
The card allows people to add in their own details and offer help to those who might need it, such as picking up shopping, posting mail, or getting urgent supplies.
Since Becky shared her postcard on 12th March, her post has now had 8.2K shares and more than 1,000 comments. Speaking to Cornwall Live website, Becky said, "I was talking to my husband John about how the news was quite hard-hitting and there wasn’t much we could actually do to make a positive difference.
"If just one person feels less lonely or isolated when faced with this pandemic, then I'll feel better about it."
Other ways you can help those self-isolating include calling them regularly, or using video calls such as Skype and FaceTime.
If you're working from home, here are some ways to be more productive:
1. Suitable working space
Set aside an area for working, preferably a desk or table with good light and a good Internet connection.
2. Listen to Downtown Radio
If you're used to working in a busy office, then there's nothing worse that sitting in silence. So, why not get Downtown Radio on, we'll keep you up-to-date with the latest news, entertainment and of course the biggest hits and biggest throwbacks.
3. Make sure you take breaks
Make sure you take proper breaks from your screen, get up, have a walk about the house and if you have outside space take a break there if the weather is good.
4. Keep to your routine
Just because you can get up later, don't lie in. Make sure you still have breakfast and all your usual things before 'going to work'.
5. Get dressed!
It might sound obvious, but get dressed! Although there's a lot of temptation to just sit on the sofa in your pyjamas, you're probably killing your productivity if you do.
6. Internet and applications
Check your internet is fast enough for what you need and if it isn't what can you do about it?
You might be able to plug your computer in directly to your router using an Ethernet cable, or move closer to it.
Don't forget to also check all of your applications are accessible at home including VPN.
7. Don't feel cut off
Just because you're working from home doesn't mean you're cut off from your workmates. You can use applications like Slack, Skype, and Teams to communicate with your colleagues and friends via video. So don't feel alone!
8. Stay focussed
Don't be tempted to do household chores throughout your working day, just because you're at home. If you want to get some chores done, save them for your lunchtime or after you've logged off.
9. Stick to your hours
The temptation with working from home is for work and home life to merge into one, so make sure you properly log off when you finish work. 👋
If you have kids at home, you might find these ways to entertain them useful.
Tune into Northern Ireland's Home of Great Music, Downtown Radio on FM, AM, DAB Digital Radio, online, on our Rayo app and by asking your smart speaker to 'Play Downtown Radio'. Gary & Glen kick things off every weekday morning and Neal McClelland brings you home on Downtown Drive.