Advice when living with someone who's shielding..

[hmmmmwhattodoo]

Hi everyone!

Have NC but just after some advice

Just before lockdown I moved back in with my parents, along with DH and DD, as we'd purchased a house that needed renovating and was uninhabitable, and we'd given notice on our old house. I work in non-essential retail and so have been furloughed and DH has been successfully WFH. Usually my DP take care of DD when we are working, which is 4-5 days per week.

My DM is currently shielding as she has numerous health issues, and we're all doing the best we can around that. We've had some food shop deliveries and I've had to go out shopping if we've been unable to get a slot, but for the most part we've stayed in the house.

Now non-essential shops are looking likely to open on 15th June and I'm expecting my employers to contact me soon regarding this, but I feel so much anxiety around going back to work while we're still living with my parents. I know we can't all stay off forever and things have to start getting back to normality, but I'm really nervous.

I just wondered if anyone else is in a similar situation and what you're planning to do? Are you just going back to work and then clothes straight in the wash/get a shower when you get home? Are you requesting to still be furloughed until shielding is lifted?

Please don't anyone jump on me! This isn't me saying don't think I should work, just that I'm nervous about potentially bringing the virus home with me and putting my DM at risk (our area is quite a high risk part of the company).

Thanks

[hmmmmwhattodoo]

Anyone?

[BamboozledandBefuddled]

If you're going out to shop now and again, then I'd guess you're already taking some precautions after that. What you've said about shower/wash clothes should be fine. Obviously no sharing of towels, cups, etc. Clean things like your bag, phone, etc after work just in case. My situation isn't quite the same - DM is shielding and has a flat in the same block as us and I'm her carer, so going in to her multiple times a day. DH is also in the shielding group (why me? ) so I've got fairly strict measures in place. But I've been shopping, etc throughout lockdown and even though I think I've had Covid, neither of them came down with it. I absolutely hate the phrase but it's pretty much a case of use your common sense

[Baggiegirl]

I'm an NHS worker with a shielded husband and have worked all the way through. It is difficult and worrying but we've coped. I change and shower as soon as I get in and disinfect surfaces frequently. So far he's been ok although I think I may well have had it a few weeks ago. Good luck. I'm sure it will be fine

[Mustbetimeforachange]

We are with shielding DH, but we all realsie that sooner or later we have to get back to work (DD works in a high risk are). We will pay the utnmost attention to hygiene & DH will keep away from DD as much as possible.

[hmmmmwhattodoo]

Thank you all

[QuaverQueen]

I’m in the same boat, I’ve worked throughout as an NHS nurse living with DH who is shielding as a transplant patient.

I could have been eligible for hospital accommodation and a colleague did this but regretted it as it’s going to go on for such a long time the official guidance here says this:

Living with other people
The rest of your household do not need to start shielding themselves, but they should do what they can to support you in shielding and to carefully follow guidance on staying alert and safe (social distancing).

At home you should:

Minimise the time other people living with you spend in shared spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms and sitting areas, and keep shared spaces well ventilated.
Keep 2 metres (3 steps) away from people you live with and encourage them to sleep in a different bed where possible. If you can, use a separate bathroom from the rest of the household. Use separate towels from the other people in your house, both for drying yourself after bathing or showering and for hand-hygiene purposes.
If you share a toilet and bathroom with others, it’s important that they are cleaned every time after use (for example, wiping surfaces you have come into contact with). Consider drawing up a rota for bathing, with you using the facilities first.
If you share a kitchen with others, avoid using it while they’re present. If you can, take your meals back to your room to eat. If you have one, use a dishwasher to clean and dry used crockery and cutlery. If this is not possible, wash them using your usual washing-up liquid and water and dry them thoroughly. If you are using your own utensils, remember to use a separate tea towel for drying these.
Everyone in your household should regularly wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, avoid touching their face and clean frequently touched surfaces.
Encourage the rest of your family or household to follow the advice as far as they are able. There is no need for them to follow the shielding measures themselves.

DH had to move into the front room on a futon and we don’t eat together. I get changed at work and my uniform comes home in a plastic bag.

It’s been hard but it is possible, try not to worry