Support thread for 12 weeks isolation (underlying health issues/elderly)

[SpringIsBlooming]

I wanted to start a thread for those of us who soon will be doing 12 weeks of self-isolation as I have seen lots of individual threads with questions so thought it would be useful to have it all in one place.

How is everyone feeling? Have you started to self-isolate or are you waiting for the government to officially announce us to?

The last couple of weeks I have been cautious with going out anyway, but since they mentioned it on Monday evening I have not left the house. I probably will start to go on walks soon but right now I feel content to just stay inside.

I'm severely social distancing, have only left the house to drive to work (instead of getting the bus like I usually would), and tried the supermarket this morning in their "vulnerable and elderly" hour, but it was carnage because they were not enforcing it in the slightest, and at 7am there was very little on the shelves anyway - no pasta, rice, flour, washing powder or loo roll. I only wanted washing powder, as I've run out.

I did meet a lady there who is 99 today, and helped her a little bit. And saw an old man complaining to the store as I left, saying there was no point advertising this special hour if they were just going to let anyone in who turned up. Surely they've got to think again?

I finish work tomorrow, for the duration though. I work in a school and will still be paid, but won't be required to go on the rota to look after keyworkers children as my healthy colleagues will be.

I've been allowed to wfh since yesterday duw to underlying health issues. Not isolating but distancing as much as possible. I've only been out to.go to the supermarket. Children are all pre-school so they are at home too. My mum (under 70) is coming round to help with children whilst I work. DH still having to go to work.

It's very stressful! Hoping you're all well

@RueDeWakening I agree with the situation with the supermarkets. I feel like I am waiting for an enforced lockdown to happen as I think people will calm down and get into more of a routine with shopping for what they need. I think right now everyone feels on edge and anxious thinking waiting for a lockdown, I think it just needs to happen already.

That is great news that you will not have to go into work after tomorrow.

@Floridasunset It definitely is stressful! I am finding it hard knowing what the actual rules we should following are - are we supposed to be isolating ourselves from family members within our home? Hopefully there will be more guidance for us soon.

I am sole carer for 95 year old house bound Mother with dementia. I can't leave her for longer than an hour, so I shop once a week. I cannot get a click and collect or home delivery slot and the local store is stripped of essentials. I will be trying to get enough food that she recognises to last a week on Sat. Wish me luck :-(.

@greenbudgie

I’m in a similar boat - I very rarely leave the house anyway so I must admit this isn’t too much of a change of routine. I’m going to miss someone coming to sit with Nan so I can pop out for a couple of hours here and there. I’m more worried about us running out of milk/bread etc

Notgoingout I refused to hoard as I know there is enough food if everyone shopped normally if they were not needing to stick up for isolation. I now face limited supplies and simply don't have the time to try 4 different shops to get what we need.

It is only my 4th day of not going out and I am already feeling quite down and bored. I am in my 20s and feel perfectly healthy in myself as my underlying condition does not impact me at all and I forget I even have it most of the time. I thought I would be able to help out during this pandemic by helping shop and collect prescriptions for the elderly, I didn't realise I would be stuck at home for 12 weeks alongside them. I'm just feeling quite useless.