There’s nothing more worrisome than living far away from an elderly loved one and not knowing if they need help or what you would even be able to do from a great distance. Yet long-distance caregiving has become a necessity in today’s world due to families living far apart. Adult children of aging parents are usually still involved in their careers and sometimes still have children at home. They don’t have the time or the means to do a lot of traveling trying to take care of their loved one far away.
What is the answer to this dilemma? If you are facing a similar situation, there are some options. If you’re able to and it would make you feel better, take a trip to see your elderly loved one and check up on things yourself. While there, go through a checklist of things to do:
- Talk to their doctor
- Get any necessary paperwork signed (so you can phone the doctor and get information if necessary later)
- Talk to friends or neighbors who live close by and are willing to check in once in a while, or are willing to phone you if they think something isn’t quite right
- Make two lists of names and phone numbers. One list to keep by the phone in your loved one’s home. These names should be people they can call on for help. The other list is for you to take home and is people you can call to check up on how your loved one is managing.
- Visit the home care agency you want to use and meet some of the elder care providers so it’s easier for you to choose who would be a good fit for your loved one. If possible, have her meet one or two of your favorites and let her make the decision herself.
- Make sure your loved one’s home has been made as fall-preventive as necessary by installing grab bars in the bathroom, non-slip surface in the bottom of the tub and getting rid of throw mats.
Elderly home care will make your loved one’s life so much easier, and bring peace of mind to you and other family members who can’t be there to provide care. You can choose from day or night care, or both if needed. Hygiene assistance is given, and light housekeeping, errands, shopping and companionship is also included. Having a caregiver to look after your loved one means they are not alone and you don’t have that constant worry any more.
If you are not able to make the trip, all the same arrangements can be handled by phone. In this case, it’s good to have a primary person who is your main contact person who can help you organize this network of caregiving.
Contact us for elderly care and companionship. For more information about elderly care services, call 905-709-1767.
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