Staying Away, Reaching Out: Offering Parents Support During the Pandemic
The ‘circuit breaker.’
Image by Wokandapix from Pixabay
I brace myself as I look over the names printed on my patient list. Our developmental pediatric unit has started an initiative to call our more vulnerable families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chan J. DOB: 12/10/2001. As I scan the electronic notes, I learn that mum is the main caregiver of not one but two boys with autism spectrum disorder who require a high level of support. They both usually attend special school, but the school is currently closed because of social distancing measures. We are in lockdown, or ‘circuit breaker’ as we call it in Singapore, and both children have been at home for the past three weeks. My heart sinks in anticipation as I punch in the numbers.
“Hello,” a voice hesitates at the other end.
“Good morning, Mrs. Chan,” I say, putting on a cheery tone. “My name is Jia Yi and I am a nurse from the child development unit. We are checking in with our families and I wonder if you have some time to speak with me?”
“What about?” This mother sounds tired.
“Oh, just checking in on how you are getting on and whether there is anything we can do to help.”
‘”It’s hard,” she says. […]
