Pastoral care of folks with Covid

Paidiske said:

So it's finally happened, and I have a parishioner with Covid. No doubt she won't be the last.

Apart from phone calls every other day or so, what do you think is important for pastoral care given the whole pandemic situation? Obviously I can't visit in person, but is something like a care package a good idea? (She's got the basics covered, I'm thinking more something to let her know she's loved and we're thinking of her). Anything else I haven't thought of yet?

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If it turns out to be a good idea (and I'm not the best judge of that), since you would be dropping it off at the door and leaving, perhaps it should include a nice note. My church has done care packages for nurses, which included a handwritten note plus a few other prescribed items. Assuming you know your parishioner personally, you may have a better idea of what to fill it with.

I think the fact, your speaking to her regularly, and sending a care package, with continued prayer should show her that you care for her greatly.

In the care package maybe put together some scriptures that will show you care and comforting ones for her .

At hospital or home? If at home you could still visit if you feel comfortable but wearing personal protective equipment (gown, mask, gloves ad face shield). Also facetime or other video conferencing.

Paidiske said:

She's at home, but I absolutely would not be allowed to visit her. Nor would I be willing to take the risk of picking it up there and sharing it with other vulnerable people.

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That is understandable.
And sometimes older folks are not too into virtual conferencing.
It is a tough situation.

Paidiske said:

So it's finally happened, and I have a parishioner with Covid. No doubt she won't be the last.

Apart from phone calls every other day or so, what do you think is important for pastoral care given the whole pandemic situation? Obviously I can't visit in person, but is something like a care package a good idea? (She's got the basics covered, I'm thinking more something to let her know she's loved and we're thinking of her). Anything else I haven't thought of yet?

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My only thought would be that if you know her family you could make yourself available to them as well, they are no doubt in need as well.

Paidiske said:

So it's finally happened, and I have a parishioner with Covid. No doubt she won't be the last.

Apart from phone calls every other day or so, what do you think is important for pastoral care given the whole pandemic situation? Obviously I can't visit in person, but is something like a care package a good idea? (She's got the basics covered, I'm thinking more something to let her know she's loved and we're thinking of her). Anything else I haven't thought of yet?

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The basic's are key, but with loss of taste and smell, its may be worth exploring a variety of food and drink. It is exceedingly important that folks keep eating and staying hydrated in the home environment. The other thing is, that depending upon symptoms, speech can end up being pretty exhausting. As a night chaplain at a hospital, I am often called to see covid patients, and patient energy is something I try to keep a close watch on when it comes to visit duration.

One other thing to ponder in the home environment are things like personal care items, or even mundane things like trash bags. I've been delivering such items to a buddy of mine, and we check in via text messaging daily, or more often if he needs something. I tell him when I'll be arriving, and then drop stuff on his porch, and then text him when I get back to my car.

Another thing to consider is whether the patient has a family member caring for them. Things like N95, or equivalent masks, or other PPE, such as gloves, gowns, and hand sanitizer can be very welcome. I'll also add, that the caregiver role can be pretty brutal, so notes of encouragement, or on a practical level finding someone to mow the lawn, or remove snow could be a really big deal.

Paidiske said:

Obviously I can't visit in person, but is something like a care package a good idea?

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There's the traditional get well soon card that is signed by church friends. There are online e-cards.

I had mild Delta covid in November. Thankfully I was vaccinated. My symptoms were a loss of flavor/aroma detection in the nose and palette (transient anosmia), horrible muscle cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and severe sinus congestion. My doctor, despite being vaccinated, had to be hospitalized with blood clots in his lungs from Covid, but he is elderly.

I really like the idea of care packages. If I catch Omicron (I may have already had it as I had mild muscle aches and other symptoms a few weeks ago), a care package would cheer me up.