TA here, worried about elderly relatives

[Toomuchbubblebath]

I'm a TA working in an Infant School. We are currently on a rota system and I am only expected in for a couple of 4 hr shifts a week. I am OK with this for myself and immediate family, I get that it is important that we do our bit to support children who have Keyworker parents.
However I have 4 relatives who are all come under the elderly and vulnerable category, I am supporting them with shopping, prescriptions etc, also having a bit of social contact with a little chat at their door (well, 2m away from their door) when I've dropped off the shopping. They tell me that it means the world to them and I do believe it brightens their day a little to have some human contact with a family member. For context, I am the only relative living in their local area.
I am worried that I might pass on the virus to them, having been exposed to it at school, despite following all the guidelines to keep as safe as possible. I am also worried that if and when we as a family have to go into isolation, they will find life difficult for a little while.
Basically I feel torn between doing the right thing by my family and doing the right thing for my job.
Please be kind as I am struggling a great deal with this and knowing what the right choice is.

[Luunaa]

Hi toomuch, you're definitely not alone in feeling conflicted. All I can say is as long as you keep to the 2m rule when dropping goods off and having a chat, I'm sure they will be ok. I hope this reassures you.

[Toomuchbubblebath]

Thanks Luunaa for your your reply, yes I am definitely sticking to this rule. Visited mother in law with some shopping this afternoon and stood in her garden while she sat in her conservatory for a little while, talking through the door at a safe distance (able to access her garden without touching anything!)

[cassgate]

I am in the same situation. TA on standby. Went in on Monday but haven’t been needed since. I am shopping for PIL’s and DH’s aunt. I am doing the same as you, dropping at the front door retreating to a safe distance and having a brief chat when they collect the shopping. Nothing more we can do really.

[Toomuchbubblebath]

@cassgate I've just been asked to go in next Mon/Tues. I guess I will just have to follow all the guidelines and hope for the best. It is stressful isn't it?

[Jessie40]

Hi, I am also an LSA on a rota, but doing shopping for my elderly parents. I am on a school rota I'm due in after Easter but its already worrying me. If my family went into self isolation there would be no one to look after my parents.
Not sure what to do.

[RestYourHead]

@Jessie40
Hi OP here, (name changed)
I've handed in my notice. My Head refused to enforce social distancing between adults/children and children/children saying it was up to us to make a professional judgement, that the children would need cuddles, activities that required us to sit next to them etc. She said we didn't have to get close, it was up to us, but to my mind social distancing isn't optional.
Anyway I decided it wasn't worth the unnecessary risk. I am very lucky as my DH can support us financially but I am sad as I did love my job. Not prepared to work in that environment though.
Good luck whatever you do.

[Saucery]

That’s terrible, RestYourHead / OP. We are operating under very strict guidelines and enforcing distance between staff and pupils. It sounds uncaring and standoffish but it really isn’t in practice. All the children know why they are there and what they have to do to keep safe. I’m sorry your Head isn’t able to follow the advice in an appropriate and safe manner.

[RestYourHead]

@Saucery thank you. At times I've felt as if I'm going mad, all my colleagues are happy to be close to the children and each other. I've been told I'm very anxious, she even said we're all going to get it anyway
There's no point me trying to fight it, I'm part time anyway so best just to go. Feel very sad though

[Saucery]

I made a bargain with myself and DH. If I went in and I wasn’t happy with the set up I would have resigned. Because to look after everyone else you have to look after yourself first.

[RestYourHead]

@Saucery that's exactly what I did. You will know when you are there if you're happy or not. I completely agree with what you said, I am no good to anyone if I put myself at unnecessary risk and get poorly. And to be honest, our pay is so low, and we're expected to mix with children of frontline workers with no protective gear, just expected to get on with it and wash our hands
Good luck, let me know how you get on.

[RestYourHead]

Saucery sorry I think I misread, you have been in and are happy with it. I am pleased it is OK.