Providing long-distance care for an elderly loved one can be challenging, but there are strategies and support systems to make the process a little smoother and more manageable.Â
Family Caregivers
Being a caregiver for someone we love and care about can be a complex and demanding role to fill under any circumstances, but when distance is involved, some unique issues often come into play.
Caring From a Distance
Caring for someone more than an hour away can account for a long-distance care arrangement. It can be hard to know how to make that work without the ability to drop in and be there at a moment’s notice or always be readily available.
The travel time, expenses associated with travelling back and forth, and just the feelings of worry that can come with not being present all the time; to check on things can be stressful for family caregivers. However, there are steps to help seniors and their caregivers find an arrangement that makes everyone feel more comfortable and confident.
Arranging Care From a Distance
Streamlining the home care process to get better organized and prepared for daily care and emergencies is an excellent way to start. When establishing an arrangement to get everyone feeling positive and reassured about the quality and system of care, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Get educated
- Get organized
- Establish local support systems
- Professional assistance
- Stay connected
- Make the most of visits
Learn It All
A well-informed and thorough understanding of all the health issues a senior loved one faces can help caregivers make confident decisions about the care situation. Home care is always a dynamic endeavour as circumstances are continually changing. Taking the time to learn all the pertinent information can help caregivers feel proficient and best provide care to those they love, despite the added challenge of distance.
Keep Organized
When it comes to caring for seniors, there is a lot to keep track of, so setting up a system for managing information, appointments, medication, and all the other little things that are a part of caring for someone can help to keep things running smoothly. Being organized means essential information is always on hand and easy to find, and resources are available whenever consultation is required.
Set Up a Local Support System
Knowing the people around your loved one regularly when you are farther away can help provide peace of mind. Getting to know their friends, neighbours, doctors, and other people, who are a part of their lives, can reassure that someone is always available to be there for them even when you can’t be there in person.
Consult Professionals
Relying on the assistance of professional caregivers can help ensure that your senior loved one is getting the best care possible at all times. Home caregivers can assist with everyday tasks, health management, and general care or provide company and companionship. Working with skilled, trained, experienced caregivers can help set seniors up to receive the best care possible as often as needed.
Stay Connected
Close contact is essential for many reasons, from strengthening relationships to providing care. Staying in touch is the only way to stay informed about what happens in a senior’s life and how they feel daily. Thankfully, technology is abundant these days, making keeping connected more manageable than ever. Seniors and caregivers can chat via phone, e-mail, text, and video. Setting seniors up with the technology they need to stay connected and never feel alone can make a huge difference in how they think about their care.
Soak Up the Time Together
When you can’t always spend time together, the moments you share become all the more valuable. Being together can be an excellent opportunity to be productive and sort through anything that needs discussing or planning. It is also a great chance to connect and ensure everyone is on the same page.
Geographical distance can be a challenging obstacle to overcome, but there are ways to make providing care from a distance feel more effective and suitable for everyone involved.
At Promyse, our Nurse Case Managers will meet with you and your loved ones to determine initial needs and support. Services provided by our Nurse Case Managers are at no additional charge.Â
We will always be there for you as time passes and needs change. We will work with you and your loved ones to make short-term and long-term care management plans for their in-home care needs.
