5 Ways to Care for Elderly Parents Who Live Far Away

Living far from your aging parent, as is the case for many adult children, inevitably turns you into a long-distance caregiver and advocate. It’s common to be absorbed daily until an emergency demands your attention. However, making crucial care decisions during a crisis is far from ideal.

Being an effective, compassionate advocate for your elderly parent from afar is entirely achievable. Families separated by distance must tackle care choices, enhance home accessibility, secure vital medical details, and ensure the living space is safe for the future. Beginning sooner rather than later is advisable, though it’s never too late to take action.

Plan Visits

Seeing your loved one in person occasionally is crucial. Work out the details of your visit with the main caregiver. Inquire about ways to assist them, perhaps by offering them some respite, and learn about any specific needs your loved one may have.

Make it a priority to have meaningful interactions with your loved one. Participate in activities they enjoy, which can be as straightforward and soothing as driving, watching a movie, reading side by side, playing a game of cards, or simply sharing a breakfast date.

Investigate Various Housing Options

At times, the health of a parent necessitates support that is more conveniently located near home. For some families, the solution lies in relocating to be closer to their aging parent, while for others, having the parents move nearer to their adult offspring is the most logical choice. 

When moving is not feasible, seeking the services of in-home care providers, either on a full-time or part-time basis, can offer the needed assistance.  Additionally, senior living communities like Longhouse offer continuous health care, help with daily tasks, various engaging activities and programs, and a social community to help alleviate loneliness.

Develop an Emergency Strategy

Should an emergency or accident involve someone close to you, have a response plan ready for immediate action. Create a backup network of individuals who can cover for you in your absence, assisting with responsibilities like childcare, pet care, or work duties. 

Ensure you have a documented list of these contacts along with the roles they’ve agreed to assume. Consider maintaining a packed travel bag containing necessary toiletries and clothes, allowing you to leave without hesitation about what to pack.

Assign Care Responsibilities

An optimal care team consists of various members, each excelling in distinct responsibilities. A financially astute sibling could manage the elderly’s finances remotely. Meanwhile, a neighbor may offer to handle trash removal or yard maintenance tasks.

Consult with a lawyer to collect crucial documents, including wills and trusts, which detail the distribution of the parents’ assets after their demise. Additionally, secure a copy of the parents’ advance healthcare directives, specifying their preferences for medical treatment should they become unable to make decisions.

Ensure Adherence to Medication

If your parents are managing health issues that necessitate regular medication, dedicate some time to ensuring they follow their prescription guidelines closely. It’s advisable to regularly review the list of medicines they’re on, including their names and possible side effects.

Crafting a medication timetable could benefit both you and them, allowing for easy checks by yourself or a caregiving professional to verify that your loved ones are taking their medications as needed.

Endnote

Providing care for aging parents from afar involves dedication, strategic planning, and open lines of communication. Nonetheless, leveraging technology, tapping into community resources, and seeking professional assistance can enable one to offer high-quality care and maintain a close relationship with elderly parents. Staying well-informed, remaining in touch, and being ready for any circumstances are crucial aspects of this process.