Before the COVID-19 crisis, AYS like most disability providers focused on in person, face-to-face encounters for the greatest level of connection with our participants. Yet many of us have been pleasantly surprised to discover the perks of telehealth during the unprecedented coronavirus crisis.
Telehealth has many advantages, including keeping patients safe from the possible exposure of the Coronavirus. Amongst improving access to care and contributing toward a greener earth by cutting down on car trips to see therapists! It also offers its own type of personal and lighthearted or even heart-warming connections as some participants excel in the comfort of their own homes.
Over the past month, we have all experienced the ups and downs of social distancing but here are some of the things we’ve grown to enjoy in the time of COVID-19:
- Apologising as the cat walks across the keyboard or the dogs sitting in the laps of participants while they discuss their day ahead.
- “Meeting”” a new group of kids who have come together in a group session from different parts of Victoria.
- Having a virtual cup of tea with participants.
- Seeing a participants interest in technology flourish from an early age – Are they the next Steve Jobs?
Amongst all the chaos, we have grown to learn that the support and family we have developed is one to be cherished during this strange point in time.
