Caring for an aging parent while you live far away can be challenging. Whether you’re only an hour away or offering care from another state, the emotional weight of worry and guilt can be immense, not to mention the financial strain that is sometimes associated with long-distance care. Caregivers, on average, spend approximately $12,000 per year on care-related expenditures.
Despite the physical distance, providing meaningful support and staying connected is still possible. In today’s digital era, many tools and programs are available to bridge the gap and ensure your parent feels cared for. By harnessing the power of technology and implementing thoughtful strategies, you can effectively support your parent’s well-being from afar.
This article discusses four effective methods for nurturing and sustaining the health, happiness, and peace of mind of your aging parents who live far away.
1. Hire Professional Help
When you are unable to care for your aging parents physically, hiring professional assistance can offer essential support and maintain their well-being. Here are some important factors to consider while looking for professional caregivers:
Research and Selection:
- Conduct extensive research on home care providers in your parents’ neighborhood.
- Look for organizations with a solid reputation, positive customer reviews, and a history of delivering high-quality care.
- Seek advice from medical experts, friends, or local support organizations.
Background Checks and Training:
Ensure the home care agency does full background checks on its caregivers, including criminal record checks and professional credential verification. Inquire about their training programs to guarantee caretakers are properly educated and certified. For instance, if you’re hiring a nurse, make sure they have at least completed a CCNE-accredited 12-month FNP program online to comprehend your parent’s medical condition and provide them with the best possible care.
Services Provided:
Different home care agencies offer different levels of care. Determine your parents’ requirements and select a carer or service to satisfy their needs. Examples of services include assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as:
- Washing
- Dressing and grooming
- Medication management
- Food preparation
- Light cleaning
- Transportation to medical appointments
2. Utilize Technology for Remote Monitoring
Technological advancements have transformed how we care for aging parents who live far away. Using numerous technology instruments, you can remotely monitor your parents’ well-being and respond to emergencies. Here are some important ways to use technology for remote monitoring:
Home Monitoring Systems
Install a complete home monitoring system that includes features like:
- Motion sensors
- Fall detectors
- Video surveillance
These technologies can send real-time warnings and notifications if unexpected behavior or falls occur. They let you remotely watch your parents’ everyday activities and maintain their safety inside the confines of their own house.
Wearable gadgets
Consider giving your parents wearable devices that monitor vital signs and send emergency notifications. These gadgets, among other things, can measure:
- Heart rate
- Blood pressure
- Activity levels
- Sleep patterns
In case of an unexpected health deterioration or a fall, the gadget can send an urgent alarm to authorized caretakers or emergency services.
Medication Management Apps
Managing medicines can be difficult, especially when you are not present. Medication management applications can assist your parents in ensuring that their prescriptions are taken on time and in the proper quantities. These applications are reminders, tracking medication regimens, and delivering notifications when doses are missed. Some applications even enable virtual connection with healthcare specialists, allowing for remote medication management and reducing the risk of medication errors.
Virtual Communication Platform
Use video chat platforms and messaging applications to regularly keep in touch with your parents. These apps include:
- Skype
- Zoom
Chatting with your parents builds a sense of connection and lessens feelings of loneliness. Moreover, regular virtual check-ins allow you to examine their health, address issues, and provide emotional support.
3. Organize Financial and Legal Matters
Caring for elderly parents who live far away entails ensuring their financial and legal affairs are in order. Here are some crucial procedures to take while organizing their financial and legal matters:
Asset Inventory
- Make a detailed inventory of your parent’s assets.
- Include bank accounts, investments, properties, and other valuables.
- Gather all relevant papers, such as deeds, insurance policies, titles, and account statements.
- This inventory will provide them with a clear picture of their financial status.
Important Documents
Collect and organize important legal papers such as:
- Wills
- Trusts
- Powers of attorney
- Healthcare proxies
- Advance directives
Check that these documents are up-to-date. Consult a lawyer to examine and revise these legal documents considering your parents’ choices and any changes in their circumstances.
Financial Management
If your parents have trouble managing their finances, offer to help organize their bills, set up automated payments, and remotely monitor their bank accounts. To simplify their financial management, look into online banking and bill-paying solutions. Consider choosing a trustworthy family member or engaging a financial counselor to help them manage their financial affairs if required.
4. Arrange for Local Support
Building a local support structure that can give support, companionship, and social engagement while caring for aging parents who reside far away is critical.
Here are some important things to consider while planning for local assistance:
Research Local Resources
- Research local resources available in your parents’ community.
- Look for senior centers, community organizations, and support groups catering to older adults’ needs.
- Contact them to gather information about their services and determine if they align with your parents’ interests and needs.
Meals and Grocery Services
Look into local meal delivery services or programs intended exclusively for older persons. Even if you are not physically there, these services can ensure your parents have access to healthful meals. Some organizations also offer grocery delivery or shopping assistance, relieving your parents of the strain and ensuring they can access fresh food and other supplies.
Connect with Neighbors, Relatives, and Friends
Reach out to neighbors, friends, and relatives near your parents. Inform them about your parent’s situation and ask if they would be willing to provide support. This could include checking in on your parents regularly, offering transportation to appointments or social outings, or just spending some time with them.
Conclusion
Caring for aging parents who live far away needs careful planning, open communication, and the effective use of available resources. While distance might be challenging, technology, community support, and professional care services can assist in bridging the gap and ensuring your parents’ well-being. Staying in touch, organizing their affairs, and engaging expert support can help you offer the care and attention they deserve. Remember that it is a journey that requires patience, compassion, and love, but with these four ways to care for aging parents, you may make a difference in their life even if you are far away.
