Caring for an elderly loved one may seem impossible if you live someplace far away for work or other reasons. Fortunately, you can still provide long-distance care for your parent by taking the following steps.
1. Create a File for Essential Information
When you live far away, you won’t be able to drop by your parent’s house to pick up important paperwork. However, you may be asked to provide proof of your loved one’s power of attorney, a list of his or her medications, or other emergency documents. Even if your parent keeps meticulous files at home, you should have a copy on hand. Create a file with essential information about your loved one’s health, which may come in handy during an emergency situation.
If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Edmonton home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
2. Set Expectations Early On
A long-distance caregiving arrangement requires trust and communication. Make sure your loved one notifies you about important changes in his or her life or health. For instance, you need to know if your parent experiences a negative reaction to a medication or narrowly escapes a slip-and-fall accident. Explain to your parent that you merely want to find solutions for common issues that put his or her independence at risk.
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 Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of respite care Edmonton seniors can depend on.
3. Automate Basic Tasks
Several daily tasks can be automated for your parent’s convenience. For example, your loved one can set up a home automation system that turns outdoor lights on every night. You can also choose automated appliances that shut off within a certain time if they’re not in use. A pill dispenser can also be automated so your loved one receives the correct dose at the right time.
4. Establish Video Connections
Video apps and chat services allow you to observe your loved one. Set up the phone or computer so you can engage in video chats regularly. Chatting via a video app allows you to see your loved one’s face and watch for signs of changes in health such as unexplained weight loss. You can also use video monitoring on home security apps to perform tasks such as seeing if your loved one has been active recently.
5. Arrange for In-Person Checks
Your loved one may need physical assistance with challenging tasks. Consider hiring a professional caregiver to help your parent manage daily activities. Whether the caregiver picks up some groceries or alerts you to a new symptom, working with someone else gives you an added layer of protection to keep your loved one healthy.
One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide senior care. Edmonton families can turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. To create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your aging loved one, give us a call at (780) 490-7337 today.