Citizens Advisory Committee for Senior Residents and Persons with Disabilities

Tips on How Persons with Disabilities Can Cope with the Covid-19 Crisis

Protect Yourself

• Ask your direct support provider if they are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19
• Ask your direct service provider to:
  • Wash their hands when entering the home, touching them, dressing, bathing, showering, transferring, feeding, etc.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. CDC recommendations

Prepare

• Make a plan if your direct support provider gets sick.
• Create a contact list of family, friends, neighbors, and local agencies that can provide support if needed.
• Plan at least two ways of communicating from home and work that can be used in the case of an emergency. Keep this information with you at all times.
• Have enough household items for a comfortable stay at home for at least a few weeks, plus a 30-day supply of over-the-counter and prescription medicines or medical equipment. Some health plans allow for a 90-day refill.

Prevention

• Wear a mask
• Stay at least 6 feet from people who don't live with you
• Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces
• Wash your hands often, or use hand sanitizer made with at least 60% alcohol

Coping with Stress During the Covid-19 Pandemic

• Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate
• Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals
• Exercise regularly
• Get plenty of sleep
• Avoid alcohol and drugs
• Make time to unwind
• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories
• Connect with others in a safe way while maintaining social distancing