Long Distance Caregiving Tips for Family Members
Did you know that 11% of family caregivers live an hour or more away from their loved one?
It can be a challenge to stay informed when it comes to your family member’s health and well-being, which is why it is crucial to be intentional and educated. In this article, we are going to explore long-distance caregiving tips, as well as what you need to know and resources that can be helpful when you’re not immediately available for your loved one.
1 – Get Organized
When you’re handling care from a distance, talking about things like money, banking information, legal issues, and basic emergency situations is important.
Here are a few things to keep in mind from AARP:
Start the money conversation – come up with a plan with your loved one for how to pay for everyday expenses, housing, and long-term care.
Request access to information – you'll likely need to get access to banking information, utilities, medical information, etc.
Address any legal issues – this means talking about power of attorney for important legal decisions.
Know emergency basics – figure out where spare keys are, alarm codes, neighbor’s phone numbers, etc.
2 – Plan Out Visits and Be Present
Depending on where you’re coming from, the time you have to visit your loved one might vary. If you live an hour away, you might only be with them for a few hours, but maybe you get to see them more frequently. However, if you live in a different state or a few hours away, your visits will probably be less frequent but might be a few days or weeks. Regardless of how long your visit is, make sure you know what you’re going to do when you’re there and that you’re fully present with your family member.
One tip from the National Institute on Aging is to set clear and realistic goals for your visit. For example, does your parent need groceries? Do they need help picking up a prescription? Do you need to have conversations with their doctor? Are there any important legal conversations that need to be had? Make sure you figure out your priorities, so nothing falls by the wayside.
3 – Explore Your Options When It Comes to Living Arrangements
In some cases, your family member might need more care than what can be provided to them at home. In these instances, a senior living community can be a great option. If they are fairly independent and just need assistance with minor everyday tasks, assisted living could be the answer. Assisted living communities provide personalized care, hands-on assistance, a safe environment, and takes away the burden of home ownership for seniors. Not only that, but it can provide family members with peace of mind knowing that their loved one is being cared for 24/7.
If you’re interested in finding an assisted living community that fits your needs, learn more here.
Don’t Navigate Long-Term Care Alone
Providing proper care for your family member when you don’t live close to them can be a challenge, but we want to help you through it. There are a lot of steps you can take to make sure your loved one is getting the attention they need, even from a distance. Staying informed, planning your visits, and getting the information you need can help eliminate stress and give you and your loved one peace of mind.
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