Being a long-distance caregiver comes with a unique set of challenges. Long-distance caregivers must provide for their senior loved ones from afar and navigate the responsibilities of caregiving from many miles away. Learn effective ways to manage the challenges of long-distance care.
Get Organized
As a long-distance caregiver, you need to be able to access information fast. If your loved one has a medical emergency on the other side of the country, you need to be prepared to send medical information, legal documents, and more. Create an organizational system that works for you, whether it’s an old-fashioned filing system or a Google Drive folder shared with the whole family.
One of the best ways to support your efforts at long-distance caregiving is to hire a trained caregiver. home care Phoenix experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
Find the Right Resources
When you are supporting a senior loved one who still lives at home, it’s important to assemble a team who can assist with his or her daily and long-term needs. To assist with long-term planning, you can enlist elder law attorneys and professional in-home caregivers. You may also want to look into meal delivery services and local adult day care facilities.
For daily assistance, in-home caregivers can be invaluable. When considering home care, Phoenix, AZ, 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.
Make the Most of Technology
Technology has made long-distance caregiving easier than ever. Thanks to video call technology like Skype, you don’t have to rely on voice alone when trying to gauge your loved one’s health.
Invest in technology designed to keep seniors safe. A GPS monitor can ensure you always know where your loved one is located, and smart house technology allows you to check in on him or her throughout the day. If your loved one is responsible for adhering to a daily medication regimen, you can provide smart pillboxes and medication apps that send alerts when it’s time to take the prescriptions.
Be Realistic about What You Can & Cannot Do
A long-distance caregiver is more limited than a caregiver who sees his or her loved one every day. Because of this, long-distance caregivers must be realistic about what they can and cannot accomplish.
Consider your caregiving strengths. Are you good at speaking with medical professionals, or are you best at handling finances? You then need to consider your limitations. How often will you be able to travel to see your loved one? Are you assertive enough to handle medical decisions from a distance?
Once you have settled on your strengths and weaknesses, you can start to fill in the gaps. Find people willing to pitch in to fulfill caregiving responsibilities that can’t be accomplished from a distance.
Get Support
While long-distance caregivers may not always manage the daily rigors of caregiving, they still have an emotional weight to bear. When the responsibilities become overwhelming, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Caregiver support groups are an excellent way to find like-minded individuals and get great caregiving advice.
Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional senior care. Phoenix, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. Our caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. Call 602-847-6549 today to speak with a friendly and experienced Care Manager to formulate a home care plan for your loved one.
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