Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
CSTS | Department of Psychiatry | Uniformed Services University | 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799 | www.CSTSonline.org

Tips for Coping when Quarantined with
COVID-19 Family Members
Individuals with mild to moderatemembers may feel ill-equipped toThereisn’ta“rightway”
tomanagesymptoms of COVID-19 are generally
properly care for their loved one. In
required to remain quarantined ataddition, families may be stigmatizedin these circumstances. Do whathome. Their family members takefor having a member diagnosed withworks for you and your family.
on the important role of caring forthe disease. These responsibilities, thethem, including providing supportive
concern about becoming infected,treatments, monitoring for worsening
and uncertainty about the patient’sof their condition, preventing the spread of the disease,
recovery may result in elevated distress. Below are
and at times determining when to end isolation. Familystrategies to help families cope with these challenges.

Easing Family Distress■ Remember that distress is an understandable reaction insuch circumstances.
■ Remind family members that their loved one’s
symptoms are not severe and they are more likely to
improve than worsen.
■ Engage in healthy behaviors that promote wellness.
x Maintain a healthy diet, obtain sufficient sleep
when possible, and practice relaxation techniques.
x Ensure physical resilience by avoiding excessive
alcohol, smoking, and vaping.
■ Maintain routines related to bedtimes, meals, andexercise.
■ Doing something “concrete” to address the situation
can be helpful. Work together as a family to ensuresufficient resources (e.g., drinking water, non-perishablefood, money, over-the-counter medication, and first-aidsupplies).
x Consider contactless home-delivery services forgroceries and supplies.
x Arrange for support from neighbors andcommunity members.
Manage as best you can considering the circumstances,
your resources, and the available information. There isn’ta “right way” to manage in these circumstances. Do whatworks for you and your family.

Helping Families Feel Safe
■ Obtain information and recommendations from reliable
resources such as the Centers for Disease Control(CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO).
x Maintain contact with your family’s health careteam and keep them updated on your family
member’s progress.
x Be aware of the warning signs of worsening
symptoms that require immediate medicalconsultation (e.g., difficulty breathing, chest pain,dizziness, difficulty arousing, and bluish lips orface).
■ Although specific guidance may not be provided forevery situation, it can be useful to develop family habits
and procedures to help family members feel safe inmanaging exposures.
x Basic hygiene practices must be followed by all
family members (e.g., regularly wash hands, cover
your mouth when coughing and sneezing, avoid
contact with face, and frequently clean commonly
touched surfaces and door knobs).
x Consider additional precautions (e.g., delivering
items on a tray, wearing masks and gloves).
x Promote hygiene and safety practices for children
in a child-friendly manner (e.g., singing songs,creating games).
■ Limit interactions with high-risk individuals (e.g.,elderly, immunosuppressed).
Continued

■ Work together to decide living arrangements (e.g.,

separate bedroom or bathroom use for COVID-19 ill
family member) that are practical and support familysafety.

Reducing Stigmatization■ Confirm with your health care provider when yourloved one and other family members are no longer atrisk of spreading the virus.
■ After all family members are cleared by healthcare
providers, share this information with friends,
neighbors, community members, and extended family,
so they understand the family is no longer at risk ofspreading the virus.
Helping Children■ Help children understand what is happening within
their family by talking with them and including themin family routines and age appropriate basic hygienepractices.
■ Consider each child’s age and developmental level when
deciding the amount and nature of the information toshare with them.

■ Remind children that their family member will likely

recover.
■ Promote children’s sense of purpose by providing
opportunities to contribute within the home (e.g.,
helping with food preparation, cleaning the dishes, andother family chores).
For specific information about communicating withchildren about COVID-19 see Additional Resources listed
at the end of this fact sheet.
Additional Resources
Discussing Coronavirus with Your Children fact sheet
https://www.cstsonline.org/assets/media/documents/CSTS_FS_Discussing_Coronavirus_w_Your_Children.pdf
Finding the Right Words to Talk with Children and Teens
about Coronavirus fact sheet
https://www.cstsonline.org/assets/media/documents/
CSTS_FS_Finding_Right_Words_Talk_Children_Teens_Coronavirus.pdf

Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
Department of Psychiatry
Uniformed Services University
4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799
www.CSTSonline.org