Long term sick can still get help

Health care professionals are available to help long term health condition sufferers during Covid-19, a provider has said.

Maeve Carmody, self-management support coordinator with Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, is reminding those with long term health conditions that resources and services are available to support them.

She said people living with a long-term health condition may be more at risk of serious illness if they get Covid-19 and need to take extra care to protect themselves. It is also really important that they continue to manage their long-term health condition at this time.

A new leaflet called ‘ Minding your long-term health condition during Coronavirus’ provides practical and clear information to support people to manage their longterm health condition and to stay well.

“A lot has changed over the last 11 months. It can be hard for someone living with a long-term health condition to know where to look for support and advice during Covid-19.

“We put together this leaflet to help people with long term health conditions and to remind them that support is still available.

“The emotional effects of a long-term health condition can be difficult. Managing such conditions can increase the stress of everyday life but this has been even more difficult during Covid-19. Right now it is more important than ever that people seek help if they need it,” she said.

Maeve also explained that Cork Kerry Community Healthcare are developing the Living Well programme.

“This is a free, six-week self-management programme for adults living with long-term health conditions. Usually it is run face to face but during Covid-19 it is run online from the safety of your own home. We hope to start programmes in the late spring. For more information or to find out how to register go to www.hse.ie/ livingwell,” she added.