5 Ways to Support Disabled, Elderly and Immunocompromised People

541 words

4 minute read

Things get more real with each passing day.

My state decided to close schools through the 27th, with the intention of transitioning school online.

There's so much uncertainty right now.  Many people, I'm sure, want to help, but don't know how.  Here are five simple things you can do to support at-risk segments of the population.

[Three people walking, two of them elderly, side by side by side]

1.  Stay Home If You Are Sick:  This seems basic, but I know a lot of people have been raised to power through illness with the notion of "I'll survive."  And yes, if you're not in the at-risk segment of the population, chances are good that you will.  But think about who you're exposing. 

Those of us with lowered immune systems due to Down Syndrome or HIV, those of us with underlying neurological conditions like CP, epilepsy or brain injury, and the elderly?  This illness will hit us harder.    You likely will survive but for a lot of us, the reality of our surviving something like this is far less certain.

Know that staying home if you feel unwell is one of the best things you can do.

2. Practice Social Distancing / Don't Travel:  I know it's Spring Break season.  I know everyone is restless from being indoors during the winter, but seriously.  Do not travel right now unless you must.  I know lots of big public events are being canceled but you can also help us by doing a little social distancing yourself.

Related:  Staying Socially Well in the Era of Social Distancing

3.  Check In:  If you have disabled, immunocompromised or elderly friends family members or neighbors, check in with them.  Know that this is a very scary time for us and we could all use your support and connection as much as possible.

4. Please Don't Hoard Resources: I know it's so tempting to buy out the high-demand items, but leave some toilet paper for the rest of us, please.  (Same goes for the cleaning wipes and the canned goods.)  If you're set for a two week stretch that's a great start.  But anything beyond four weeks of stocking up?  That's honestly taking away resources from others who need them.  We all need to share if we're going to get through this.

5. Give: And last but not least, give.  If you are in the position to safely offer a meal or a gift card to anybody high-risk that you know, do it.  If you can safely offer to make a trip to the grocery store for someone.  That's such a relief, and we appreciate it.  If you can't do either, but still want to help, here's a list of disabled folx's Amazon Wish Lists, PayPal, Venmo, JustGiving, Etsy accounts.  Even if you cannot contribute, please RT the lists / signal boost the thread.

Remember, we are going to get through this.  Do what you can to stay safe and keep others around you safe.  

Take care of each other.

For many of us, we're all we got.

When you question what you're doing all this for, just remember, you're literally helping people stay alive.

And that's huge.

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