Distance creates gaps in every relationship, this is the same with relationships within the family. It is understandable that you become busier these days and have to take care of your loved ones from a long distance.
However, caregiving, while your older adults are in senior living, can be challenging. These tips will be helpful in maintaining a relationship with your aging parents even while caregiving from distance:
Scheduled Occasional Visits
Busy schedules don’t have to prevent you from having an occasional visit to see your older adults. Communicate with the primary caregiver and let them know you will be visiting. This will help you ease the caregiver off some stress for some time and also understand the needs of your loved ones.
While on visits, do not be quick to leave, spend quality time with them. Do what they like together, it can as simple as walking outdoors or play their favorite games. This will strengthen the bonds between you and your loved ones.
Stay Connected With Technology
Technology offers the best ways to stay connected with your loved ones over long distances while in senior living. You might not be seeing them physically every day, but you can stay connected virtually. A lot of tools are available to help you connect with your loved ones and their primary caregiver.
You can use messaging apps to receive daily updates on the health of your loved ones. Or use video chat services like FaceTime, Zoom, and Skype for online meetings and also view their appointment with the doctor.
Visual cues, such as bruises caused by falling or an unkempt home, are useful in helping you make assessments from a distance and enable you to make timely decisions on a parent’s care needs.
Learn About Their Health Status
Distance shouldn’t stop you from knowing all the information about the physical and mental health of your loved ones. Learning about any complications your older adult is undergoing will help you provide adequate support from a long-distance.
In addition, you will be ready for future changes in health conditions and improvement that needs to be done to improve their health.
To be able to access health information about your loved ones, it is necessary you get documented permission according to HIPAA Privacy Rules. Also, all your interactions regarding the overall well-being of your loved ones must be documented for future use.
Have an Emergency Plan
Many things are bound to happen without prior notice. You need to have a personal support system to help with your kids or jobs. This can include friends, co-workers, or even a member of your family.
This is because, if your loved ones experience unexpected severe complications, you will be there to offer the necessary support. This support system can also include keeping some emergency essentials to get you prepared.
Conclusion
Caregiving from a long-distance is challenging and can affect you mentally and financially. However, assisted living center such as Caruth Haven Court makes it less challenging.
