written by Claire Wentz
We all want what’s best for our parents and other loved ones in their senior years, but it isn’t always easy to know what the best is. When you’re a caregiver and your senior loved one doesn’t live nearby, your situation is even more complicated. If this is you, these tips will help you make sense of your options so you can give them the best, even when you’re far away.
For a caregiver who lives long-distance, the first thing you want to do is ask your loved one if you can help with legal, financial, and medical matters. HuffPost says you should get all of their important financial documents organized, and then you can begin to simplify their life by setting up things like automatic bill paying.
You can also help with medical information to make sure they’re getting the care they need. One thing to be aware of is that Medicare plans can change, and if your loved one doesn’t use the internet, it may be hard for them to stay current on changes that could affect their coverage. Spend a little time getting familiar with Medicare resources, which can help you both understand the enrollment process. This way, you can locate plans that are available in their state and find supplemental coverage to pay for other medical expenses, including prescription drugs.
Get Connected to Local Resources
Even though you can’t be there with them all the time, you can help connect them to whatever level of help they need. If your loved one doesn’t have any major limitations, you may feel comfortable with having a home monitoring system so that will notify you in an emergency.
Some seniors can live at home safely but need help getting out, such as going to doctor appointments. If you have a hard time determining what kind of help your loved one needs, you may want to hire a professional who lives locally, such as a geriatric care manager, who can assess their situation and advise you on what’s best.
If your loved one has limited mobility or health concerns, you may want to hire someone who can come to their home to help. Nurse Next Door is a great resource for understanding the differences between live-in care and 24-hour home care. If you hire anyone for help, do some research so you can be confident in making this decision without living locally. When hiring a caregiver, conduct multiple interviews (consider using video chat if you can’t travel to conduct interviews in person), and give them a trial period before offering the job.
Check In Frequently
Regardless of whether you hire extra help, it’s important to check in on your loved one frequently to ensure they’re doing ok. Whenever you visit, keep an eye out for safety issues, including anything that can be a safety hazard, and look for signs of mental health problems. Their home needs to be safe and accessible so they can continue meeting their daily needs.
Help Prevent Isolation
Even when a senior is able to stay safe in their home, there is always the risk of isolation. You may want to give them a tablet and help them make online social connections. Senior Planet recommends apps like Facebook or Words With Friends. You can also search online for community groups in their area, and encourage them to try some activities. With the internet and community resources, there are more ways for seniors to stay engaged socially, but they may need your help making those connections.
You don’t always have to be present physically to make an impact on someone’s life. For seniors who are comfortable with technology, digital connections open up new opportunities for caregivers. Your role as a long-distance caregiver isn’t an easy one, but the right tools can make it easier for you both.
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