No matter how much you care for your senior loved one, the reality is that dropping everything to move in next door to him or her isn’t always possible. However, you don’t have to give up on the idea of caregiving. Long-distance caregiving does come with some unique challenges, but it can still be an effective way of making sure your loved one’s care needs are met. Here are some tips that may make it easier to manage your caregiving duties from a distance.
1. Find New Ways to Stay in Touch
Modern technology can make long-distance caregiving a lot easier for you and your loved one. Consider setting up regular video calls where you can see your loved one and get an idea of his or her surroundings, or use an instant messaging service to quickly converse. For seniors who find newer phones and computers confusing, get a senior-friendly phone with large buttons and a simple interface.
2. Have Someone You Can Trust Nearby
You may not be able to get to your loved one’s side quickly during emergencies. In these circumstances, it’s helpful to have a family member or a friend nearby who can check up on your loved one. If friends or family aren’t available, a social worker, pastor, or neighbor may be able to fill this important role.
For even greater peace of mind, consider hiring a professional caregiver for your loved one. When considering homecare, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits.
3. Stay Updated on Healthcare Information
It may be difficult to get a full picture of your loved one’s health needs during conversations. Consider talking about getting authorization to view your loved one’s medical records. Get a detailed list of contact information for all your loved one’s healthcare staff, and regularly request updates to check up on his or her wellbeing. Take the time to research any health conditions your loved one has so you can be properly informed.
4. Create a Safe Living Environment
Since you cannot be there all the time, it’s important to make your loved one’s living situation as safe as possible. When you have time for a visit, go through the home to remove tripping hazards, install safety devices, add motion sensors to lights, and move furniture to create clear pathways. In some situations, you may need to help your loved one move to a new home with more safety features.
Your loved one may simply need a bit of help managing some of the normal tasks of daily life. Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a trusted provider of respite care Frederick seniors can depend on.
5. Get Copies of Important Documents
Since you won’t always be right next to your loved one, it might not be easy to access key information. You need to have copies of identification documents, such as your loved one’s birth certificate and driver’s license, along with healthcare-related documents such as an insurance coverage card. It’s also helpful to have copies of legal and financial documents, such as mortgages, powers of attorney, and living will documents. Being organized can help you prepare for unexpected difficulties. A trained caregiver can alleviate much of the stress and worry you may feel because you can’t be close to your loved one. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Frederick families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. To hire a professionally trained caregiver for your loved one, call us today.
