Suspected COVID-19 infection for my father!? A day torn between caregiving and work

Today was a late shift starting at 10:00 AM.
It was supposed to be a relatively calm day,
ending my shift after assisting with dinner.

Since I have tomorrow off,
I was focusing on my work while thinking about writing thank-you notes
for the likes, comments, and follows I received on note.

However, while I was assisting with dinner, my phone rang.

The screen showed a message from the caregiver.

Thinking, 'Oh boy, did he catch a cold?', I replied,
“I will check on him after I get home.”

A little while later,
I received a call from the care manager.

“What?”

My mind starts racing all at once.

What would happen if my father were infected with COVID-19?

1. Day service would be suspended

2. Home helper visits would be canceled

3. I would have to take on all the caregiving myself

4. I would have no choice but to take time off work

5. As a result, it would cause trouble for my workplace

What if it were just a fever (37.5°C or higher)?

1. Day service would not be available

2. Home helpers could barely be utilized

3. I would be able to go to work

In other words, the situation changes significantly depending on whether it is COVID-19 or not.

Start responding immediately

First, I contact my supervisor to get permission for a shift change and to leave early.
I ask a colleague to cover my shift, and once they agree, I prepare and submit a shift change request.

On the next scheduled workday,
I have a meeting I am chairing,
so I absolutely cannot take the day off.
Can I leave early after that...

I organize these arrangements in my head.

How do I confirm if it's COVID?

The problem is "how to confirm whether it is COVID or not."

A hospital visit is necessary, but at an outpatient fever clinic, you have to wait in the car for 1 to 2 hours.
During that time, there is also the risk that I might get infected.

Moreover, even if there is a fever,
if antibodies haven't formed yet, an antigen test will come back "negative."

In fact, when I was infected myself, the test the day after symptoms started was negative.
I have the experience of finally testing positive a few days later.

If I don't go to the hospital tomorrow, the next chance for a visit is Monday.

If it is not diagnosed as an infection,
the helper's support can continue...

There is a lot to think about, but
first and foremost is "whether or not a high fever develops."

Tonight, I will check his temperature several times,
and I intend to monitor the situation carefully.

Afterword:

When a family member falls ill,
the caregiver's life is also greatly shaken.

Especially if it is suspected to be an infectious disease.
Balancing daily caregiving and work
is truly never straightforward.

Please also enjoy my past articles.

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.