Voices Magazine-Vol3-Issue-6-WEB

19 September - December 2020 | VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica 2 nd Caregivers’ Virtual Symposium Provides Coping Strategies for Caregivers During COVID-19 Crisis T he College of Health Sciences hosted its 2nd Caregivers’ Virtual Symposium on September 17, 2020, concluding a two-day online seminar geared at providing mental, emotional and practical support for caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Themed “Supporting and strengthening the caregiver’s role in a COVID-19 Pandemic”, the virtual symposium saw various experts in the medical field providing insightful and timely information for formal and informal caregivers. Particular focus was paid to highlighting strategies for maintaining good mental health, providing healthy coping methods and avenues through which caregivers could seek support. Symposium convener, Dr. Andrea Pusey-Murray, Associate Professor and Coordinator of Graduate Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship in the College of Health Sciences, explained that the seminar was geared towards recognizing the invaluable contribution of caregivers, whose hours of unpaid labour have not gone unnoticed, and to provide them with various coping strategies to be used during the pandemic and beyond. Coping Strategies In illustrating the many challenges faced by this group, Miss Lisa McDonald, Programme Director, BSc. Critical Care Nursing, noted that caregivers who are of advanced age, who have poor family support, bear out of pocket expenses and face wage and job cuts are at higher risk for “burn out”, since they bear the physical, emotional and financial “burden” of providing care. She further emphasized that these challenges are exacerbated by the pandemic, especially in instances where caregivers have no relief staff, are unable to purchase Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and are not well equipped to follow barrier precautions. Similarly, Dr. Kevin Goulbourne, Director of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Ministry of Health and Wellness noted that caregivers were at increased risk of mental health disorders due to increased stress, isolation and loneliness. Their vulnerability to mental health disorders such as depression and emotional and adjustment disorders, was also increased by the fear and anxiety of becoming infected, in addition to the stress of increased sanitizing activities, and the grief from loss of loved ones. In light of these stressors, presenters urged caregivers to seek mental help and support, to communicate their needs to their families, and to be aware of and guard against falling into unhealthy coping habits while dealing with stress. Mrs. Simone Blackwood, Gerontologist and Managing Director for Global Senior Care Institute, Trinidad and Dr. Kevin Goulbourne, Director of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Ministry of Health and Wellness make their presentations during the 2nd Caregivers’ Virtual Symposium held on September 10 and 17, 2020. The online seminar was hosted by the University’s College of Health Sciences.