Taking care of elderly loved ones from afar is a reality many in Canada experience. With jobs and the tough housing market forcing many to commute long distances in this economy, more attention and planning is needed to ensure that your aging parent or relative is properly cared for while you’re away. Of course, obtaining the services of a trained caregiver is always a worthwhile option, but until you decide to get that ball rolling, the Mayo Clinic has some tips on what you can do in the meantime to keep your loved one comfortable.
- Get organized – Collect all important medical, legal, financial, insurance and contact information pertinent to your senior.
- Involve your family and friends – Dole out responsibilities to involved and concerned family and friends who live close to your loved one, even if it consists of them calling in or dropping by to check if everything going okay.
- Research your loved one’s condition – Knowing more about what specific medical issues your loved one may be subject to will lend greatly to knowing what to do in emergencies and prevention. It will also help immensely with your peace of mind.
And during your visits, keep these tips in mind:
- Do a thorough check on your loved one’s condition – Ask if they’re feeling all right and if there’s a need for you to book them an appointment to see a doctor. Asking them what they need will sometimes result in little more than a trip to the grocery for supplies.
- Set aside quality time – Spend time with your loved one! Play cards or watch a movie together. Enjoy your time with them.
Read the rest of this helpful article here.
Thanks for the great article – wonderful tips on how to help family caregivers in their role. For those caring from a distance, and for caregivers in general, I wanted to make readers who are building their circle of helpers aware of Lotsa Helping Hands. Family caregivers can get respite and relief from tapping into the many offers of help they receive from their circle of friends and family by creating a free, private community at http://www.lotsahelpinghands.com. And, distance caregivers can stay in daily contact with the family. The free service includes an intuitive group calendar for scheduling meals, rides and other daily activities as well as community sections (well wishes, blogs, photos) that provide emotional support to the family.