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Caring from a distance
Sometimes it is not always possible to be physically present to care for your aging loved ones. This can lead to anxiety and feelings of guilt and stress.
Often times a seniors will want to stay in their home instead of moving to a retirement community and that can pose many unique challenges. There are some ways to help from a distance, even if you can’t be there every day.
Here are some ways to help make long distance caregiving easier:
- Arrange for Seniors Home Care Services – there are many services available to provide assistance to seniors living at home including meal programs and caregiving. Find services in your area and call to investigate. Make sure to do your research on the company and get references.
- Arrange for grocery delivery – there are many services that offer grocery delivery straight to the home, take advantage of these for delivery of fresh produce to your loved one.
- Keep in contact with neighbours and local family members – having the ability to check in on your loved one through neighbours and local family members can often be helpful.
- Talk to doctors – make arrangements to talk to doctors on the phone to stay up to date on your loved one’s health.
Use technology – buy a computer or tablet and set up email and video chat with your loved one. There are also many technologies to help in case of emergency situations such as buttons or pendants that relay emergency alerts to health and security services.
- Scheduled visits – even if you are far away it is important to spend some time in the company of your loved one. Make sure to schedule visits for holidays or birthdays so that you can have some quality time in person.
- Living in a Seniors Community – if your loved one has health or mobility issues or you have noticed that they are not as happy, active or as engaged as before, you might consider having a heart to heart conversation with them about their needs and the best place for them. Although people are sometimes reluctant to leave their homes, a seniors’ community can be the safest, most enriching place for them, especially when you are not able to be present to care for them.
When you are ready, book a tour today to learn more about the benefits of community living. Schedule your visit today.