Caregivers, care partners and individuals supporting patients are a fundamental and critical part of our community. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased certain challenges for our caregivers. Here is a resource package from the National Caregiver Recognition Working Group specifically focused on COVID-19.

If you are caring for or living with someone who has COVID-19 or has respiratory symptoms suspected to be due to COVID, you are considered a 'close contact'. You will be given special instructions about how to monitor your own health, what to do if you start to feel sick and who to contact. Be sure to tell health-care providers if you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19. For more information, read our Guide for caregivers and household members of those with COVID-19.

Some people have an increased chance of developing severe illness or complications from COVID-19 including older people and those with chronic health conditions. Learn more on the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) website and download the Q&A for people at higher risk of developing severe complications. Find more information on COVID-19 and Cancer on the BC Cancer website.

It is important that you have a conversation with your loved ones and health-care provider about advance care planning while you are healthy. Our Advance care planning resources and the BC Centre for Palliative Care’s step-by-step guide to advance care planning can be helpful guides to these conversations.

You can also prepare for conversations about health during the pandemicusing this worksheet.

• The provincial government has put together resources on managing COVID-19 stress, mental health and COVID-19 on HealthLink BC as well as a list of virtual mental health supports during COVID-19.
  

• Find additional resources to support mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Learn about resources in your area and find out how to access mental health and substance use services.

• Grief is a normal part of life and natural response to loss and the meaningful connections we have to others in our life. Find more information about grief and support services available to you.
  

Temporary COVID-19 Emergency Meal Maps will be regularly updated as new information from organizations is obtained. Confirm with organizations on the dates and times of service as this information can change quickly.‎

For life-threatening illnesses or injuries, call 911 or go the Emergency Department to be assessed and treated immediately. Find more information on where to access care for your health concerns.

As we restart health-care services, keeping you safe continues to be our top priority. Across Vancouver Coastal Health, our infection prevention and control standards are in place to protect our patients, clients, staff and physicians.

Learn about what you can expect at your upcoming appointment or procedure.

Coming to the hospital: what to bring?

Pack a small bag of essential items, such as the ones listed here:

• Phone/tablet and charger

• Earphones for phone/tablet

• Personal toiletries

• Notepad/pen

• Night guard

• Ear Plugs

• Hearing aid(s)/batteries

• Book or magazine

• Eyeglasses/case

• Names and phone numbers of emergency contacts

• List of your medications/supplements

• Healthcare card 
  

Learn about the VCH policies around visiting our hospitals and care homes. 

This activity guide was created to help people who have been hospitalized with COVID-19 continue to recover at home.

• Outside telephone calls can be made from the hospital unit/ward to families or loved ones. Please contact the ward staff for more information.

• Patients can bring their personal devices (and chargers) to help them stay connected during their stay at the hospital. When patients do not have access to their own personal device, assistance may be provided.

• Well Wishes is a free service that allows you to stay in touch with friends and family staying at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), UBC Hospital, Lions Gate Hospital, Richmond Hospital and GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre. Visit our send well wishes page to get started.

• Long-term care staff can assist with communication to residents. Please call the individual facility for more information.
  

• VCH and the Emily Carr Health Design Lab have partnered with families to put together ideas to help families connect with loved ones living in long-term care homes. View Ideas for Connecting: Connecting with loved ones living in long-term care.
  

• Sharing isn't always caring - Youth poster

• How to clean your hands - Poster

• Community poster – coffee shops

• Community poster – tourism 

• Community poster – ice cream

• Community poster – breweries & restaurants
  

• Winter community posters 
  

• Do your part, stay apart - Physical distancing poster 11 x 17
  

• Please keep a distance of 2 metres - Poster

• COVID-19 testing is available for all who need it - Poster
  

• How to self-monitor - Handout

• How to self-isolate - Handout

• Guide for caregivers and household members of those with COVID-19 - Handout

• Self-isolation after a COVID-19 test
  

• Stop the spread of COVID-19 (General prevention measures such as physical distancing, hand hygiene etc) - Handout
  

• If someone is sick at home with COVID-19 (Tips for how to self-isolate at home if someone is sick with COVID) - Handout‎

Graphics

• Physical distancing tips
  

Videos

• Watch our COVID-19 videos on YouTube. 
  

Enjoy your summer safely. Check out these guides for having COVID safe summer and reducing the risk of transmission for yourself, others, and your community.

• Bars and nightclubs (Instagram / Twitter)
  

• BBQs (Instagram / Twitter)
  

• Beaches (Instagram / Twitter)

• Breweries (Instagram / Twitter)
  

• Fitness centres and gyms (Instagram / Twitter)
  

• Hiking (Instagram / Twitter)
  

• House parties (Instagram / Twitter)
  

• Park hangouts (Instagram / Twitter)
  

• Restaurants (Instagram / Twitter)

• Road trips (Instagram / Twitter)
  

• Sports (Instagram / Twitter)