According to a study by AARP, eleven percent of family caregivers live an hour or more away from their aging loved one. In addition to having the same concerns and pressures that local family caregivers face, long-distance caregivers spend approximately $12,000 per ng for a family member, nearly twice that of people caring for a loved one who lives close by. How can you best manage a senior’s care from a long long-distance? Here are five tips to help you manage your loved one’s care when you live too far away.
Focus on what you can do to help, not what you can’t
No matter how far away they may be, there are things you can do to help your aging loved one from a distance. Takeprofitantage of your strengths and help by doing the things you do best.
For example, if you’re good with money, help them manage their finances. Have them add you to their bank and investment accounts so you can help manage their finances online by making sure all of their bills are getting paid and that they’re not a victim of elder financial abuse.
If an organization is a strength of yours, coordinate medical care, organize important documents like medical records and legal documents, and find local resources for needs they may have, such as transportation or meal delivery.
Plan visits
Your loved one needs to see you from time to time as much as you need to see them. If they have a primary caregiver, coordinate the timing of your visit with them to provide respite care and give them a chance to take a break.
Enjoy your time with your loved one and join them in their hobbies, take them out for a meal to their favorite spot, or enjoy reading and movies at home together.
Have an emergency plan
Have a plan in place if your senior has an accident or other emergency so you can get there on short notice. Have a support network set up to help out when you’re gone with child care, pets, or your job. Also, have a “go bag” packed with essential clothing and toiletries, so you don’t have to worry about what to bring if you need to get there quickly.
Stay connected
Many seniors are comfortable with technology and use smartphones and pads every day. Though it’s not the same as being there, stay connected with them via voice calls, video calls, and email.
Also, schedule telehealth calls with their doctors and other specialists who provide them with healthcare services. Speak regularly with their primary caregiver and stay informed about how your loved one is feeling and if any changes are happening physically or cognitively.
Recognize when home care is needed
Are you noticing changes in your loved one’s behavior? This can be a sign of an underlying health condition or that they’re not taking their medication as directed. Other signs they need assistance are when they’re not properly caring for themselves (bathing, eating, cleaning, etc.) or no longer socializing regularly.
Senior Home Care You Can Trust
Companions & Homemakers aims to provide families peace of mind by letting them know their loved one’s needs and how they’re being met. Compassionate caregivers are carefully screened and trained to deliver all of the services your loved one needs. Contact us today at companionsandhomemakers.com.
