As our parents get older, it can become more and more difficult for them to live on their own. It is especially challenging if you live miles away from your parents and are not able to provide elderly care to them on a daily basis. Equally important is making them feel as if they have not lost their sense of independence. It is still possible to stay involved and provide support for your elderly parents, even from a distance. Here are five ways to do so:
1. Keep in touch regularly
One of the most important (and sometimes overlooked) things you should do to support your parents from afar is to stay in touch regularly. This helps you stay informed about their health and well-being, and also provide an opportunity for you to offer essential emotional support. Make sure to schedule regular calls and video chats to meet their social-emotional needs.
2. Hire a home health care organization for the best elderly care
If your parents need more support than you are able to provide from a distance, it may be beneficial to look into a home health care agency to provide the best elderly care possible. Home health care organizations can provide a wide range of services, including: medical care, aid with household chores, trips to the store and personal shopping, and even help with personal tasks.
When your parent loses independence, it can be increasingly more difficult for them to perform daily tasks on their own. In addition, they are not always able to travel to and from medical offices on their own. Being in the comfort of their own home also provides a stable and welcoming environment for medical processes that may seem more daunting in an office. If you are located in the Monterey, CA area, consider learning more about Central Coast VNA for your family members.
3. Coordinate with other family members and caregivers
Communicating with family members and your parents’ caregivers is an effective way to make sure that your parents are receiving the elderly care and support they need. Effective communication and coordination is especially important for family members who are living from a distance. This can involve:
- listing visits from family members
- hiring additional in-home support, if needed
- detailed list of in-home medical tasks
- reviewing your parents’ financial situation
It is essential fo everyone to stay informed about your parents’ needs and schedule. Everyone must be aware of their responsibilities and to offer the proper support. One idea to keep all families effectively informed is to create a group chat. This will help streamline communication and make it easier to share information. It will also have a record of communication to help keep track of your parents’ care.
It is also helpful to assign a single person to be your parents’ primary point of contact. This person can help facilitate communication and keep everyone involved on track.
Coordination with family members and caregivers ensures that your parents’ are receiving the care they deserve and need, even if you are not able to be with them in person.
4. Stay informed about their health and medications
As your parents age, keeping informed about their health and medication is essential for their well-being. Be sure to ask your parents about their health and any changes they have noticed, and encourage them to visit their healthcare provider regularly. Some people are resistant to medical intervention, but as your parents age it becomes increasingly more important to inform their physician and nurses of any changes in their body.Informing medical professionals will ensure that your parents are receiving the medical care they need and in a timely manner.
It is also helpful to have a list of your parents’ medications (and dosages) in case of emergency. You will be able to tell if your parents are actually taking their medications as prescribed by a physician, and of course you will also be able to provide the necessary information to healthcare providers in the event of an emergency. The older we get, the more likely we are to forget our medications and doses! By staying informed about your parents’ health and medications, you care ensuring that they receive the best possible care and support.
5. Consider alternative living arrangements
If your parents are no longer able to live independently, it may be necessary to consider alternative living arrangements. This could include moving them closer to you. Consider a retirement community or assisted living facility as a last resort. Most elderly patients prefer to keep as much independence as possible, and being able to live in their own home is the most comfortable way to achieve this. Don’t forget to keep their opinions at the forefront of decisions about their care. The process will be much smoother with their full support and understanding.
Elderly care for parents from a distance is challenging, but it is still possible to stay involved and provide effective support. By keeping in touch regularly, hiring a home care agency, coordinating with other caregivers, staying informed about your parents’ health and medications, and considering alternative living arrangements, you can help ensure that your elderly parents receive the care and support they need.