How To Care For Aging Parents When You Don't Live Close
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Caring for an elderly parent or loved one can be challenging when you do not live close to them. If you don’t live near your senior parents, you can still be deeply involved and knowledgeable about their care needs and support them from afar. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Have a list of their medical team readily available and ensure that they have your information as well.
Know 1-2 of their neighbors who can do wellness checks and provide support every once in a while.
Consider using a remote monitoring systems to allow you to monitor your loved ones while they are at home. Cameras are a great way to make sure they are being cared for and can continue to live at home independently.
Arrange for Local Help: know what resources are available in their community and support your loved one in obtaining them. In New Jersey the Office of Aging Services is a great resource, and each county has an office on aging or senior services with a comprehensive list of home care agencies, meal delivery supports, local events happening and much more.
Stay on top of their insurance and necessary paperwork. Many seniors lose their healthcare coverage each year during renewal periods, leaving them without access to critical health care. Set a reminder and consider planning a visit to help them sort our documents or contact their insurance and do it remotely to ensure continuum of care.
Consider hiring a geriatric care manager (GCM). GCMs are trained in caring for older adults and can advocate for elders, and their families.
Hire a caregiver such as a home health aid to support your loved one in their day to day living. Home health aides can support in areas such as companionship, meal preparation, bathing and grooming and much more. At Wellcare our clients receive monthly check in calls and a nurse visit every 60 days to ensure our members are remaining healthy at home.
Communicate with them regularly via phone or video call to make sure that they are doing great and receiving the support they need. Having frequent touch points not only guarantees you’ll be kept in the loop, but your loved one will appreciate hearing your voice!
Caring for your elderly parents can come with challenges whether you live close by or far, but with the right systems in place and adequate support and knowledge you can have peace of mind knowing that your loved one is receiving the best care possible.
Resources to learn more
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