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AEW YOU READY FOR VIRUS ISOLATION?
mrbuttons
Member Posts: 221 Pioneering
tobe honest i am terrified about what will happen as my carers won't be coming after tomorrow and i don't know my neighbours to ask them for help.
its all well and good the gov making plans for OAPs but what about us? we are under pension age and vulnerable.
how are you planning to manage?
don't panic buy, only shop for what you and your family needs.
continue to eat healthily to support your immune system
look in on your friends and neighbours
dont forget your regular pet food
share your experience and advice with others
good luck everyone, see you on the other side. 
Tagged:
Replies
12 weeks is an awfully long time to have to self isolate for. I feel sorry for anyone who is in that position and wish good luck to anyone who has to do so.
Stay safe everyone.
Sorry to hear this.
Understand every one a lot of anxiety.
I know care concerned for those like my self.
I live alone use on line constantly services and may add one more rarely see any one except delivery drivers or odd taxi driver.
There has been a lot of advice and guidance for those with mental health issues.
These are mine I would consider thinking about using.
1. News media and certain misinformation can cause anxiety so do not tune in.
I never watch news morning days times or night times. All too much.
2. Make a safe guarding plans for you self, be aware of your vulnerability
Make adjustments and look at links to help you.
Support services on line, shopping websites, NHS websites.
I use NHS websites and have 111 on a list of numbers to call.
Including Samaritans if needed.
3. Plan shopping meals ideas look on webpages supermarkets. Sign up many as you wish to.
Use practical common sense. Think forward used diary reminders think of making meals or adapting ideas and short cuts.
Plenty of my ideas on the forum, simple easy.
Use a slow cooker best way to cook a lot of the time if not good in the kitchen, always here. Supportive.
4. One tip do this something to remember . Look on line AMAZON has subscribe save schemes .
Basically buy five or more items use all the time more if you wish to.
These then come monthly or your choosing, they inform you by Email.
Skip put back got enough or adjust to few months ahead.
Got a delivery soon of rubber gloves, washing up liquid, kitchen towel and so on . Wipes.
Next few months on next on another one get a different set of five will run out.
You are bulk buying. Which means you get an annual delivery all the time each few months.
All home stores, toilet, kitchen supplies do this.
Means have money to spend else where instead of high inflation prices supermarkets.
AMAZON do a basic range nothing wrong to use good value.
5. Make simple changes think positive eat healthy.
Boots immune systems. Certain nutrition, diet foods help.
Plenty of vegetables, fruit.
Chicken, beans pulses and whole grains, yoghurt and eggs.
Fish tinned or frozen or cooked .
Spices Turmeric, Chillies, Ginger, all immune boosters. Ginger Turmeric known for health benefits.
Tomatoes, Peppers, Sweet Potatoes, Squashes good for Beta Carotene antibacterial.
Brightly coloured veggies, fruit help a lot.
6. Be clean, hygienic does not cost a lot to do.
Antibacterial wipes, sprays bleach all helpful.
7. Use floor cloths dispose or kitchen towels . Big rolls on line retailers.
8. Wash hands either hand soap for 20 seconds anything food prep, toilet.
Fill a hot sink with water soapy use antibacterial washing up liquid if need to use that, helps.
I usually leave sink after filling with soapy water , useful standby.
Sometimes will leave after washing up if not a lot saves a lot of time.
9. Collecting prescription service can have meds delivered.
Doctors own surgery website or setting up account with plenty of services.
I use this.
Consider other services on line banking to pay bills or set up debits.
10. Finally you are human if have a panic or anxiety attack realise the ways to cope think of finding methods to use.
Deep breathing, meditation or using ways to relax.
Music helps .
Please if have sleep issues which is common find a way to cope.
Get up move around. Turn off computers all electrical, devices.
Have a routine if struggling.
Use milky warm drinks, wholemeal toast honey.
Try to relax could do simple tasks washing up, read a book.
Till tired.
Make sure meals full of vegetables lean meat pulses beans help.
Please any questions happy to help.
Please take care.
@thespiceman
SCOPE Volunteer Award Engaging Communities 2019
Mental Health advice, guidance and information to all members
Nutrition, Diet, Wellbeing, Addiction.
Recipes
At the moment we are just gearing up to identify those in our community who are at risk and informing residents that there is help to get shopping medicine etc. if needed. This includes using various ways for them to ask for help. This will also include some training on how the volunteers can reduce any risk to themselves.
I was going to speak to my boss today about working from home as I fall in the high-risk group but got a whats ap message this morning to say that we have been advised to work from home today.
As an individual I stood alone.
As a member of a group I did things.
As part of a community I helped to create change!
I went into 3 major supermarkets yesterday trying to find basic supplies like handwash & kitchen roll (I get through an awful lot of both!) and couldn't - the supermarkets were packed too and it was a horrible experience in all honesty, even worse than xmas week. I did eventually find some handwash in a small shop 10 miles away. There were only 2 left so I bought one and left the other, hopefully for someone that only has local accessibility as I am able to drive myself.
With regards to not knowing your neighbours, it would still be worth asking if you need the help. I don't know my neighbours (only know which car they drive lol) but would be happy to try and help with groceries or a bit of housework when my own issues permit. If you're in the vulnerable group though (sorry, can't remember what your conditions are!) you should be very careful about who you let in and even touching groceries someone else has bought for you though. I'd suggest it's worth giving them a wipe over with anti-viral spray at this point (the groceries, not the visitors!
Plenty on line of everything you need.
One further point delivery drivers turn up knock on your door.
Put groceries inside hall or entrance way, do not come in. Used to do this.
Had AMAZON driver hand my parcel over a gate and some have knocked and left parcels in the my hall ways when opened doors.
No touching no contact. Might have to sign items.
Understand the stress and the anxiety.
I do recommend signing on line websites. Super markets.
I hope that gives you reassurance.
Please if I can help with anything please ask.
Please take care.
@thespiceman
SCOPE Volunteer Award Engaging Communities 2019
Mental Health advice, guidance and information to all members
Nutrition, Diet, Wellbeing, Addiction.
Recipes
The shops have nothing antibacterial, which is what people are buying because they mistakenly think it is antiviral.
There isn't even ordinary Milton for baby bottles.
There are no thermometers, even in warehouses
The n.h.s refuses to test for corona except for in-patients. That includes refusing tests for their own staff.
The private firms which do, are not accredited
The self isolating cannot know if they and their partners have been infected or not, so in the (common)case of two doctors or other healthcare workers, the government's refusal to test is depriving the n.h.s. and care sector of a considerable number of willing and non infected workers , or, even more importantly, of the vital resource of workers who have been exposed but had minor or no symptoms, and now have the invaluable research tool of antibodies in their blood, along with, as far as is known, an immunity to reinfection as they continue their work amid the most infectious patients.
I haven't had an online supermarket shop yet, I have so many checks & rituals around choosing each food item and then packing & transporting it safely that it works out as the lesser of two evils for me to visit the supermarket myself at the quietest possible time. I was going to try my first online shop this week, but as I say, there's nothing available on there either! As the virus becomes more prevalent, I may end up with no option but to try an online shop eventually though.
Just a quick note for anyone that uses Tesco stores, you can check their stock levels at individual stores via Facebook Messenger. Of course, it's possible that they sell out before you get there, but it's helpful to save a trip if they don't have the item you need in stock.
Most anti-bacterial stuff does kill viruses as well btw, you just have to check the small print. Even normal soap is effective against viruses though as it breaks them down easily.
From what I've seen, there aren't enough testing kits for NHS staff yet, so they're prioritising the patients most in need currently. They will start testing a lot more when (or if!) the test kits become more available.
Try and make a checklist of everything you need first. Double check it. Triple check it. if you still have a nagging doubt then check it again. Advice which if I'd followed myself would have meant bin liners being delivered along with everything else this morning.
If you can afford it don't deprive yourself of life's little luxuries, whatever yours may be. We're being told 12 weeks. It may turn out to be even longer. Going to be tough enough as it is without having a little treat every now and then to keep you going.
Do not listen to anyone on social media who has no specific expertise. Misleading claims spread as much as the virus itself. Do try and follow reputable sources. Sadly director of the WHO before the current one has 43,000 Twitter followers. Piers Morgan has seven million. Both are tweeting about Covid 19. Only one of them is worth paying any attention to.
Check with GP surgery/hospitals if appointments due but don't overwhelm them. Things change from day to day so phone no earlier than 24 hours beforehand
If you receive text reminders about appointments, remember these are automated. Best to check after receipt. Example: I got a text today about appointment tomorrow. Half an hour later surgery rang and said they were cancelling it. They'll be making hundreds of calls and it's easy to ignore as the call will say 'private number' and people may think it's a spammer.
Think very carefully about whether you need to take up an appointment. Particularly if you have to travel to it and especially so if by public transport.
If you do decided to cancel then LET THE SURGERY/HOSPITAL KNOW. The situation is bad enough without medical professionals having their time wasted waiting for people who have decided not to turn up.
If you can pop a note through your neighbour's door with your contact details - email, mobile, landline. Offer to help them if they need assistance and you're available to help. Suggest they do the same with their neighbour and so on.
WASH YOUR HANDS AFTER DOING THIS
https://www.amazon.co.uk.
You need to subscribe pay a monthly fee.
Lots of the toilet items are available you can bulk buys in my opinion the best.
You might have to evaluate your own costs, expenses. Budget else where.
Around the end of the year start planning what do need to buy on bulk or add to subscribe and save.
All the time recognising if I do this have to realise will not be spending on any thing except food so freeing up extra money.
Because have a lot money tied up in boxes and groceries. Full of bulk buys, means also more money for me treats and other things I need.
Hope that helps you understand that it is worth in the end.
Please ask me any questions, happy to answer.
One final point many people living in vast rural areas do this all the time, buy on line and purchase bulk buys.
How I started in a rural village right now been isolated used on line services all the time.
Got no car and transport except taxi now and again.
@thespiceman
SCOPE Volunteer Award Engaging Communities 2019
Mental Health advice, guidance and information to all members
Nutrition, Diet, Wellbeing, Addiction.
Recipes
When I meant bulk buying I meant looking on line the not named brands we all love.
The current situation is the named brands are disappearing been on right now. AMAZON website.
There offers on companies that are not named brands.
Companies prices under £5 for 12 toilet rolls big ones.
Need to scan and decide look and make a decision.
Everything here I buy is not unless I can afford it a named brands.
Many are from Italy or Spain my Pasta, sauces lot cheaper better quality.
Are shipped over as I have a PRIME account some are free delivery some are not.
Even so a vast range of household goods from other countries brands never heard of and do take a chance.
@thespiceman
SCOPE Volunteer Award Engaging Communities 2019
Mental Health advice, guidance and information to all members
Nutrition, Diet, Wellbeing, Addiction.
Recipes
The only saving grace is that there are 5 Tuesdays in March, so I'll get another ESA payment on the 31st, the day before rent and some of the bills are due!
I also live in a small studio flat so don't have the space to bulk buy large quantities of any single item. I tend to buy 2 or 3 of each cleaning product at a time. I would buy more if I had the space and funds but it's just not possible at the moment.
Please is there anything I can advise on.
To give you reassurance please if I can add. My advice and some tips, tricks to consider if having food supplies dwindling.
I have lots of posts on cheap, budget eats.
1. Do a stock check of supplies, groceries you have.
2. Make it simple make it easy anything can advise on.
3. Breakfast does not have to be the usual we have daily.
Use Rice, Couscous, Noodles or Pasta to bulk out meals.
I had Chickpea Vegetable Curry for Breakfast mild and filling.
Freezer veggies essential.
Evening meal Soup mixes . Containing dried pulses. Soak over night drain and add to a stock cube.
Boil and add to any recipe or any meat.
4. Make vegetables star of the show. Tinned, frozen dried.
Use Tinned fruit with meals or dried or any fresh use.
5.Look on line daily. I know delivery spots full, I will add be patient and it is just some times keep looking.
Might have to get up early or stay up late.
6. If no on line shopping delivery spots look at other shops. Freezer ones.
7. If and when you do get on, please think about is this worth freezing in small portions and in tubs or zip bags.
8.. Whole Chicken or any thing like Turkey Thigh Joint.
Meatballs can all be made in to meals with vegetables.
Shred Chicken Turkey Thigh Joint, use Ham Hocks cheap cuts. Shoulder Pork in to Oven or large slow cooker. Shin of Beef shredded great Chilli or Bolognese.
Makes a lot of Tubs.
9. If you have a family cook together make meals and freeze.
Depends on the age of the Children but kitchen equipment becomes useful.
Food processor slicer dicers and blenders. Slow Cooker.
Pads out freezer, buy if and when Soup Mixes freeze in tubs with Stock or any vegetables freeze short life span.
Into Tubs with Stock Passata herbs and freeze.
Can if and when defrosting blend this up and use as soup, stock base for meat sauce.
Use Zip bags to store frozen veggies, fruit and look at Spinach, Floret mixes or veggie mixes.
Cheaper.
10. Use what chefs call tumble downs. Make for example one meal like Bolognese any left turn it in Chilli.
Big packs of Meatballs fresh use half add sauce Pasta or Half Curry or sauce of your choosing.
Cut them in half to make them last longer.
11. Stocks sauces make in to soup.
I know if you do have any children hard to feed.
If some problems, I used to make Peanut Butter Sandwiches the smooth one.
If the Children have no allergies. Can suggest ideas and any solutions even make a menu for you if you wish to anything you have in stores.
Please do one wants you to die and to give you reassurance.
Please have a look at any links suggested .
Understand every thing, please if you need support or talk you are not alone.
Difficult times for every one, if I can help please get in touch.
Please take care and safe.
@thespiceman
SCOPE Volunteer Award Engaging Communities 2019
Mental Health advice, guidance and information to all members
Nutrition, Diet, Wellbeing, Addiction.
Recipes
1- Go for walks in a local park at least once a week
2- Watch films with your husband or friends etc as well
3- Take up a new hobby like sewing for example
4- Play board or card games with your kiddos
5- Dance around your living room to music
6- Learn a new skill using YouTube tutorials as a teaching aid
7- Bake something as a family like biscuits or cakes
8- Run errands for family members or friends
9- Have a discussion on a unrelated topic with a friend or family member
10- Sleep or take care of yourself (this includes painting your nails and showering too!)
After the initial shock my wife and daughter couldn't stop laughing when I started painting my nails, and my daughter says I have to replace what I used. That said my nails are now a deep purple with sparkle
Hope you and the family are all well. Now I'm going to try the first part of your tenth suggestion
As an individual I stood alone.
As a member of a group I did things.
As part of a community I helped to create change!
I think media makes us more scared and worried...they repeat the figures affected over and over.....don't watch it...
Pollsx
There is help from local councils.
If you`ve had a letter from government that you must stay indoors, there is a help line to contact for deliveries.
Pollsx
Then last few years or more had to when enrolling set up standing order. Support workers car parking and fees petrol if even had used my own car.
Required a support worker in attendance.
I had the money made allowance each month, I understand the issues reasons why.
Did you know used to be a volunteer driver visiting ladies who were either disabled or mentally ill.
Help them get about had to use own money finance my self then, those times.
Went where called to assist if you know the North East.
Anywhere from Newcastle areas to North Yorkshire on benefits or used salary if I was working.
Been a volunteer driver since having a licence costs per month to me hundreds of pounds per month.
Got expenses form back included in that would be additional costs of blue badge parking discs costs. Some places have the need to.
What irked me was the amount of times my expenses scrutinised by senior staff.
One charity gave me a budget costing them too much and in the end was forced to leave. Means lot so the elderly ladies who I was a white knight to never got out.
Felt extremely guilty but had to become in debt to expenses not being paid.
Another reason is the insurance and health and safety aspects of being a volunteer driver.
This current situation, with myself had to put a sign in the car no smoking and other signs.
No bad behaviour language some do misbehave amazes me no matter how old the clientele are.
Had complaints been assaulted, hit, spat and used for not original purposes of being a volunteer driver with underlying insinuations.
Threaten by family members of the person concerned.
No one knows more than me what is behind each and every door.
Really could fill an exercise book with stories.
All members of our Community had a range of disabilities and illness, though be kind polite and supportive.
Helping them to get about be grateful very few were. Long silences in car could not and did not wish to talk to me, some of them.
Others bossy telling me how to drive and critical.
Although made comments about my disability and much more some very cutting.
Each time had to make a report. I know and dealt with many who were demanding insisting and stubborn.
Self centred not wishing to say please or thank you.
Now here in safety lost car through Motability scheme. Middle rate
Spent time doing this lot better.
Any thing meant to ask, can I help you with. Please ask me.
Tag me . Any problems or issues, difficulties.
Please take care and safe.
@thespiceman
SCOPE Volunteer Award Engaging Communities 2019
Mental Health advice, guidance and information to all members
Nutrition, Diet, Wellbeing, Addiction.
Recipes
They are also doing our shopping.
I`m sorry to hear how your volunteering ended....shameful the way some people are treated, when trying to help others.
Keep safe
Pollsx
I just wanted to add the reasons why.
Please great to hear your OK.
Good to know and please take care of your self.
Love reading your posts.
@thespiceman
SCOPE Volunteer Award Engaging Communities 2019
Mental Health advice, guidance and information to all members
Nutrition, Diet, Wellbeing, Addiction.
Recipes
Think your experience with volunteering @thespiceman, notice how much charities are losing money now the volunteers are in the shops. Wonder how many chief executives, top managers etc taking percentage pay cut to help in this time of crisis? Noted locally, (before isolation I am keeping to staying in) many shops closed recently stating closed early/today due to lack of volunteers, my original thought was were is the paid manager/area manager!
I have used Age concern in the past for small jobs but once their prices started rising i found trades people through local papers, internet etc. £20 is not even reasonable. Instead of offering coordinated shopping for several people to cut costs.
Overlyanxious reach out to your local council etc you should be able to access extra funds most councils have list of charities who offer help to people. Most have financial aid available to help people and under these circumstances you should qualify although I expect there is higher demand. Don't give up and if they cannot offer financial aid they may be able to help you access items free.
Also, contact your landlord and utilities and explain you are having trouble with paying for the extra essentials which are necessities as recommended by the government to keep you safe. Hopefully they will be sympathetic to ease your financial burden.
You could also email your MP explaining as you have in messages the situation you find yourself in.They maybe able to offer advice on who to contact or send your details on to an organisation who may be able to help.
If more people emailed their MP's during this period explaining how hard it is to survive on ESA and many other benefits perhaps when this is all over they may actually look at the true cost of living. The most annoying saying, which comes from all political parties at the moment surrounds the question how are people supposed to live on £94.25? How many MP's, etc have said that about disabled payments? Has yours?
In today's world I still find it hard to believe that some people are given so little to live on. £20 for the rest of the month is a disgrace. Good Luck and I am sure there is plenty of advice on this site which will help.
Take care in the best way that suits you all and keep safe.