5 Tips For Long-Distance Caregivers

02/04/2016
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Long-Distance Caregivers:
Ways to Care for an Aging Loved One from a Distance

 

It’s not always possible to live near an aging parent or other senior loved one. Sometimes life circumstances put distance between a loved one and the caregiver. In fact, there are approximately 3.3 million long-distance caregivers, who live an average of 480 miles from the people for which they care. And the number of long-distance caregivers is expected to double over the next 15 years.

Whether the long-distance caregiver lives an hour away, in a different state, or maybe even in another country, caregiving at a distance presents unique challenges. However, long-distance caregivers can be helpful no matter how far away they live. There are a number of ways to assist a senior loved one from a distance.

5 Tips for Long-Distance Caregiving
In any caregiving situation, you can expect your responsibilities to include, at a minimum, two key functions: information gatherer (from your parents, websites, books, word of mouth, etc.) and coordinator of services (contacting potential service providers, scheduling, coordinating payment, monitoring medical care).

Here are five suggestions to help you get started.

1. Collect Important Information Before a Crisis
    Keep the following information organized and easy to reach in the event of a crisis.

Medical

  • Medical records.
  • Notes on their condition.
  • A list of medications they take.
  • Names and phone numbers of all doctors.
  • Name and phone number of their pharmacy.

Insurance

  • A list of insurance policies, the carriers and account numbers.

Utilities

  • Company names and phone numbers for all utilities, including electric, phone, cable and Internet.

Financial

  • A list of all assets and debts (include dollar values).
  • Yearly or monthly income.
  • Yearly or monthly expenses.
  • A statement of net worth.
  • Information on bank accounts, other financial holdings and credit cards.

Legal

  • Relevant legal documents your loved one has or wants to create (i.e. wills, advance directives, trusts, powers of attorney).
  • Location of important documents (i.e. birth certificates, deed to home).
  • Social Security numbers.

 

2. Create a Contact List

Assemble address and phone numbers of friends, neighbors, doctors, faith leaders and others in regular contact with your parents who can be reached in the event of an emergency. Include at least one person close by who can easily check in on your loved one. Consider giving this person a key to the home if your loved one approves. If you don’t already know them, introduce yourself during a visit to establish relationships should you need to reach out. Give one copy of this list to your loved one and keep a copy for yourself. These folks may also be able to help with shopping, transportation or visits.

 

3. Communicate

As much as possible, involve the one who needs care in any decision-making process, especially those related to care and housing. Be sure to listen to his or her expressed preferences and respect their known values, even when these differ from yours. Instructions to paid caregivers should be in writing. Be sure to call your loved one as often as possible, to check in and let them know you’re thinking of them.

 

4. Make Visits Productive

Visiting your parent or loved one should be an enjoyable event.
But take advantage of your time together to assess their changing needs.

  • Before your visit, decide together with your loved ones what needs to be taken care of while you’re there, including scheduling any necessary appointments.
  • Make a list of household items that need to be purchased and, if possible, go out and buy them.
  • Allow time to go through mail and old papers.
  • Take note of anything out of the ordinary and of what they eat. Check to see what they have in their refrigerator and pantry and if it’s sufficient.
  • Look out for safety hazards such as loose rugs, missing handrails or poor lighting.
  • During your visits, you may start to realize that more help is needed on a regular basis.
    Think about your parent’s daily needs and whether they are still being adequately met. 

Are they:

  • Socializing with friends and other relatives?
  • Attending religious services or other regular events?
  • Keeping up with chores or housekeeping?
  • Maintaining their personal appearance and hygiene?
  • Eating well with a variety of foods in the house?
  • Opening and responding to correspondence from insurers, banks or others?
  • Paying bills and balancing the checkbook?
  • Scheduling and getting to doctor appointments or other important visits?
  • Getting out to the store or recreational activities?
  • Maintaining the home?
  • Taking medication as directed?

If not, consider additional resources to ensure your loved one is maintaining their normal routine and staying on top of finances, mail and medications.

5. Learn What Help is Available

Educate yourself on the care and services available in your loved one’s area. Although every area is unique in the type of services that are offered, similar kinds of services are found throughout the U.S. (e.g. adult day care, home care, case management, etc.). If you have questions about senior living options or care services in the area where your senior loved one lives, visit the Alternatives for Seniors website or call a Senior Specialists at (888) WE-ASSIST (888-932-7747) for personalized assistance.

 

BLOG Date: Thursday, February 4, 2016
Writer: Ryan Allen