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The anxiety and guilt you are in is because you are far away, and you think you can’t do much. In this article, I have discussed 6 tips that can give you a direction to start. Long-distance caregiving may not be holistic, but believe me, this is the best in your case.
Long-Distance Caregiving Tips:
Follow these steps to be a part of your loved one care:
1. See What You Can Do:
You can offer your help in things you can manage from afar such as paying bills or organizing appointments, arranging professional help, and bringing in family and friends. Supervise everything from doctor’s appointments to medication is going perfectly. You can also help by coordinating transportation and scheduling other social and recreational activities.
Taking on this role is suitable for you because you can’t be there in person. You can also help develop a care team. So, everyone is on the same page and knows their responsibility. For instance, a sibling who lives nearby can help with meal preparation and light household chores. Others can accompany them to doctor’s appointments, and you can help streamline those tasks.
If you decide to handle financial and medical tasks;
What Legal Documents Should You Have in Place?
There are many legal considerations when caring for your parents, but having all the necessary documents in place will help you start your caregiving journey. Here’s a look at the essential documents every long-distance caregiver should consider:
Collaborate with an attorney to ensure all documents are correctly prepared and legally binding.
2. Stay Connected:
Staying connected with elderly parents reduces your guilt of not being there. So, schedule your visit during holidays, on weekends, and whenever you think they need it. During your visit, spend time as much as you can. Try fun activities, and share their favorite hobby with them. Moreover, your visit will lighten the load on your siblings.
Quality time spent together as a family is the best tension reliever and is better than any medicine.
If you can’t take time to visit them in person, you can call your parents or siblings and stay updated on their care plans. Whether you leave a text during the day or call them at night just make sure to balance all your responsibilities to ensure everything goes smoothly.
You can ask questions such as;
- What did they do today?
- Are they eating their meals and medications on time?
- If they need anything or something that’s been bothering them
Today, technology has made it easier to communicate just be grateful you don’t have to write a letter just to see how they are doing.
3. Help Them Embrace Technology:
For you to completely leverage technology, you have to teach your parents how to use gadgets. We assume there may be times when your siblings aren’t around, and you’d like to have a quick chat. Try teaching them how to place a call, set reminders, send pictures, voice notes, etc. If not, You probably have to send them letters.
4. Plan for Unexpected Health Issues:
If your loved one has already experienced an emergency, then you must have an emergency plan in place. Let’s say they haven’t experienced a situation like this then you should not wait for it.
This plan will include important details like names and contacts of people who will attend to your elderly parent in your absence. Contact information of emergency services, medical history record, etc
Read More: 10 Tips for Caregivers to Show Kindness During Emergencies
5. Be Flexible for Their Evolving Needs:
Always think of the possibility that with time their health, needs, and preferences will change. So, you should be prepared for that to avoid any mess. Discuss the possibility of hiring professional help such as in-home care adult day care or a mix of both with your siblings. Consult their healthcare provider to choose what would be more suitable for them.
6. Dont Criticize Yourself:
Where your siblings may be exhausted due to the physical burden of caregiving, you will be disturbed emotionally. Despite your efforts, you think your support is not as effective and it’s normal to feel that way. But remember, every call, every message, and every bit of coordination you do improves your loved one life.
People Who Have Cared for Their Loved Ones From Afar:
Karla, the Communications Lead for Family Caregivers of British Columbia, shared her experience of caring for her mother from a distance. You can learn a lot from her experience.
Liuda is a retired pharmacist, her life has been nothing less than a roller coaster ride.
Story of Maria who didn’t think of herself as a caregiver because she wasn’t physically present. For Maria, Leticia, her sister was the primary caregiver.
How We Can Support You in Your Caregiving Journey?
We started our caregiving journey with one simple question.
When did we lose the “care” in caregivng
We have seen and handled the pain of many families like yours. Our journey began with the promise that no family should struggle to find the necessities like quality care for their aging parents. That’s why we have gathered a team of compassionate individuals, nurses, PSWs, and live-in care. So next time you decide in the blink of an eye, you don’t have to look twice for quality care for your loved ones.
All in All:
In a time, when the world is advancing towards technology, you are tensed up over things that can be handled virtually. Supporting your aging parents from afar needs your dedication and you stop being old school and use your wit to make your loved ones’ lives better and those caring for them.
FAQ’s
Q. How can I stay emotionally connected to my loved one from a distance?
Regular video calls, sharing photos, and creating a check-in routine can help maintain an emotional bond.
Q. How often should I visit my loved one when caregiving from a distance?
The frequency of visits will depend on three things. Your financial situation, your loved one health and how far they live. You can visit once a month make sure you talk to them daily.
Q. How can I ensure my loved one’s home is safe from afar?
To ensure your loved one’s home is safe, consider hiring a local professional to conduct a home safety assessment. They can identify potential hazards like loose rugs, poor lighting, or the need for grab bars in bathrooms. Additionally, installing smart home devices such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and security cameras can provide real-time alerts and peace of mind. Regular communication with local caregivers or neighbors can also help monitor and address any safety concerns promptly.
Q. How Can I Provide Long-Distance Care for a Loved One with Dementia?
To care for a loved one with dementia from afar you can start by building a reliable local support network. This usually includes friends, neighbors, and professional caregivers. Moreover, you can use technology like GPS trackers, medication reminders, and health monitoring devices to stay updated on their well-being. Plan regular visits to check on their condition and create an emergency plan with contacts and medical information.
Fakiha is an experienced writer at ConsidraCare with an optimistic interest in life. She has a proactive approach to improving health and wellness for seniors. She offers well-researched and thoughtful information to help individuals make informed healthcare decisions for themselves and their loved ones.
