Blog

Connections & Circles of Support Through COVID – 19

Dorri C. Scott, MSW, Resident Family Therapist and Parent Coach in Northern Virginia

Up until the 2020 pandemic, when one discussed family planning, a disaster or life changing event, most conversations to stay connected included ways to unify families and close friends. Since COVID —19 everything is different.

Instead of ways to support and connect, COVID 19 has forced communities to think of social distancing as the new norm. How we connect in the era of the pandemic has forced us to rethink and realign with what must be done in the event of an emergency or worse, the death of a loved one. Care for grandparents and children who may contract the virus requires a new way to connect and plan. Children away at college must also be considered.

A few tips in the event of an emergency with things to do:

1. Make a list of “key” family, friends and supporters
2. Include name, phone number, address, email of all on your list to be contacted in the event of an emergency.
3. Communicate the list amongst the group. Decide the order and who should be contacted first. A family phone tree is recommended to keep the confusion down.
4. Add medical personnel (names, addresses, phone numbers) and medications to the list. If parents, children or your college student is away from home, it is a good idea to have the information on hand. Add college contact list to include: dorm name, resident advisor, student’s roommate or close friend and other pertinent emergency information and personnel.
5. Maintain updated information for all special medical instructions, medicines and pharmacist.
6. Keep a copy at home in a safe place.
7. If you have a pet who may need care in the event of an out of town “emergency trip” add instructions for the pet care taker to your list.
8. Check in on a regular basis with loved ones. Reach out regularly, express love and support – the best connection of all.
   

To learn more about Dorri C. Scott, visit her bio page HERE!

**

Until next time, Be Wise!