There is no denying the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emotional well-being. People living with anxiety conditions may notice worsened symptoms or a loss of control. At Home Care Heroes, our mission is to reduce social isolation and provide companionship for people with disability and the elderly. Now more than ever, we are here, for them and our community.
So how do you help those feeling isolated while promoting social distancing? Video Bookings are a new way of connecting, promoting social distancing while allowing our Members and Heroes to maintain their social well-being and reach their goals. Virtual Bookings use WhatsApp Video Call, Facebook Messenger Video or Google Duo so that Members and Heroes can stay in touch and interact with one another via video call. Here are just some of the activities you can achieve via video bookings:
Tutoring and Homework
Video Bookings are an easy way to get help with homework and tutoring for a range of subjects – especially if you are staying at home rather than physically attending school or higher education. Find a Hero with experience in tutoring and homework support.
Artwork
Arts and crafts are a great activity that can be enjoyed over video chat. Use paint, pencils, even a pen you have nearby! Choose a theme you can try together, such as drawing a self-portrait or both painting the same fruit bowl you can see on the video chat. Find a Hero with skills in this area to learn some new techniques.
Drama and Theatre
If you are a keen actor, virtual bookings are a great way to practice your lines, experiment with your facial expressions, practice your voice for the stage and get feedback on your performance. Don’t have a play coming up? Why not try writing one together! Brainstorm a genre, some situations and characters that would be fun to act.
Exercise
Stuck indoors and don’t have any exercise equipment? No problem! If your goal is to improve your physical health, you can commit to regular exercise with your Hero through a virtual booking. Yoga, martial arts and non-equipment workouts such as lunges or star jumps are all ways to improve your fitness from the comfort of your own home. Find a Hero who has experience with these exercise forms to guide you through a routine each week.
Watching a Movie or TV Series Together
If you usually spend time enjoying a movie or TV Series with your Hero, how about trying a Gogglebox-style viewing! This is where you both press ‘play’ at the same time, and can see and hear each other’s reactions, just as though they were sitting right next to you. On-demand platforms such as ABC iView or Netflix are perfect for choosing the same show to watch at the same time.
Writing a Resume
If your goal is to complete your resume and send it out in hopes of gaining employment, Heroes can certainly help you through a virtual booking. Google Hangouts allows you to screenshare, so you can both see what’s on the screen and talk through improvements, or alternatively while you’re on video chat you can both work on a shared ‘Google Doc’.
If you have a particular goal in mind and aren’t sure how to achieve it through a virtual booking, our friendly team are happy to help. Call us 8.30am - 5.30pm, Monday – Friday on 02 8310 7531
More Information
If you would like to know more about how a video booking works, visit https://landing.homecareheroes.com.au/video-booking/
Here are 5 actions Home Care Heroes is taking to combat COVID-19 (Coronavirus): https://landing.homecareheroes.com.au/actions-to-combat-coronavirus-covid19/
For more information on COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the symptoms, how it spreads and what can help to prevent the spread, visit: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
If you're feeling unwell and have symptoms of COVID-19 call your GP. They will be able to tell you whether to attend in person. You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line for advice on 1800 020 080. If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450.
Reporting exposure: If you or someone you have been in contact with has tested positive for COVID-19, contact Home Care Heroes immediately by calling (02) 6181 1906 or emailing hello@homecareheroes.com.au