Home Care

In response to questions about how to prepare for and to provide home care for those who are sick:
First, just know that you probably know more than you might think.  Most of us have had a cold or a fever or a respiratory illness.  This one might not be any more severe than the ones you have had before. What you have learned in previous illnesses is relevant and applicable.   
For the sick:  rest is so helpful.  Rest for the body, yes, but also rest for the mind.  Avoid social media, screens of any kind, disturbing stories, harsh words.  Surround the sick with beauty, soft light, quiet, peace, comfort, and of course, drinks and foods to appetite. Speak with a cheerful confidence of their body's healing journey.  Soups with lots of onions and garlic, ginger, turmeric, chicken broth, astragalus, and savory herbs are comforting and healing.  So many plant medicines can come to our aid when we feel unwell:  echinacea, astragalus, olive leaf extract, yarrow, mullein, elder, garlic, . . .  Of course each person's reaction to any plant should be considered and adapted.  
Sugar and flour, processed foods, alcohol (in excess of what is in herbal extracts--taken in the fractions of ounces), and worry are to be avoided. 
Supplements like fish oil, zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin D support healing.  Always customize the regimen to the person.
For the caregivers:  Care for yourself first.  Sleep is so important, as is being well-nourished in body and soul.  Asking for help is hard even in the best of times.  Notice if the obstacle to getting help is inside of you or external.  Who is your support--both physical and wise guidance?  Hygiene is important.  Separate the sick person's toothbrush, towel, washcloth, etc from the rest of the household.  Can the sick person have their own room and dedicated bathroom?  If so, that's the easiest.  Of course washing hands and surfaces is important. Soap and water is our oldest and most effective ally for hands and surfaces.  Use products that have your confidence and make you happy.  
We are asking people to practice social distancing, and once people are sick to practice isolation (for the sick) and quarantine (for the exposed well). It is true connection with people is so important to health.  (This applies mostly to the caretakers.  The sick are generally internally focused as is right and have little energy or interest in social interaction--this is to be respected)  Use technology to communicate as regularly as you can. Stay honest with yourself.  Connection with nature and the divine are also health-giving, as is movement.