Adult children of seniors face unique caregiving challenges when they live far away from their parents. Certain technologies and programs make it easier to provide long-distance care. Using these tools and resources is the key to overcoming caregiver challenges.

 

What Is Long-Distance Caregiving, and Is it Possible?

Long-distance caregiving is a way to support aging parents when you live an hour or more away. While it comes with unique obstacles, it is possible with enough planning. Many caregivers must balance caregiving with work and family responsibilities. Communicating and being proactive can help you maintain a healthy balance.

 

How Can I Help My Parents From Far Away?

Caring for older parents at home from afar is easier with the right tools and resources. Consider the following tips as you navigate how to help elderly parents from a distance:

 

1. Identify Which Tasks Your Loved One Needs Help With

Everyone has different needs as they age. Determine which tasks your parent can handle on their own and which ones they cannot. You can help with the following tasks remotely:

• Managing finances: Does your loved one need help paying bills and handling insurance claims? You can help with these online and over the phone.
• Coordinating in-home care: Your parent might need help with daily tasks. In this case, you can coordinate in-home care. This care may involve housekeeping, cooking and help with personal hygiene. You may also hire caregivers to drive your parent to appointments and run errands.
• Coordinating healthcare: Your parent may need help making appointments and refilling prescriptions. Create a list of their health care providers for easy communication. In some cases, you may be able to attend telehealth appointments. It's also important to confirm that their providers have up-to-date insurance information on file.
• Ordering medical equipment and supplies: You can order medical supplies and ship them to your parent's doorstep. Make a list of equipment your loved one uses and how often replacements are required. Many companies allow you to set up automatic shipments.
• Providing emotional support: Tools like Zoom and FaceTime make it easier to connect with loved ones. Regular check-ins are an excellent way to provide emotional support.
• Preparing for the future: Your loved one may need help with future plans and document preparation. Discuss what they prefer for long-term care options.
• Monitoring mental health: Encourage open conversations with your loved one. This lets you watch for signs of mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety. You can help your parent sign up for mental health services if you feel they need additional support.

 

2. Use Technology for Health and Safety Monitoring

Medical alert systems give your parent an easy way to call for help in emergencies. Choose a medical alert system with the following features:

• Easy-to-use help buttons: Many senior monitoring systems feature wearable pendants with two-way communication. These devices make it simple for your loved one to alert agents and speak to them directly. You can also install a home system with help buttons and a sensitive microphone.
• Fall detection: Fall detection technology adds another layer of safety. This feature detects rapid changes in motion and alerts agents to contact your parent and dispatch help if necessary.
• Personalized support: Around-the-clock monitoring and personalized support offer more peace of mind. Choose a company with trained agents who understand your parent and their medical background. Rather than randomly dispatching 911, they can send the exact type of help your parent needs.
• Health monitoring: Some medical alert devices track heart rate and daily steps. This is an excellent feature if you want to be proactive about your parent's health.
• Location tracking: GPS technology lets you monitor your parent's location via a wearable device. This is especially helpful if you want to prevent wandering.

 

3. Coordinate Responsibilities and Maintain Regular Communication

If you share caregiving responsibilities with siblings, organization is key. It's important to coordinate tasks and maintain regular communication. The following tips can help you create a manageable plan:

• Schedule family meetings: Plan a time to discuss your parent's needs with family members. You can designate caregiving roles and assign responsibilities to each person. Rotating tasks and responsibilities can help prevent burnout.
• Designate a primary caregiver: It's important to have a designated person to oversee the care plan. This person can periodically check in with everyone to ensure everything runs smoothly.
• Create a shared online calendar: Tools like Google Calendar can help you organize appointments and key tasks. Add each caregiver to the calendar to remain organized and transparent.

 

4. Use Professional Support and Community Resources

Community support programs can help you manage the daily, in-person tasks you can't perform remotely. Consider using these resources for your parent:

• Geriatric care managers
• Trusted in-home caregivers
• In-home medical house call services
• Friendly neighbors
• Faith-based organizations
• Transportation services
• Online delivery services
• A friend or neighbor as a trusted local emergency contact

 

5. Make Legal and Financial Plans

Have your loved one appoint a power of attorney if they need help making decisions. If your parent appoints you as their power of attorney, you can make legal and financial decisions on their behalf. They can also appoint you or another family member as their health care proxy. This role lets you make medical choices for your parent if they are unable to.

You should also help your parent prepare a living will that specifies the type of medical care they want if they cannot make decisions themselves.

 

6. Practice Self-Care

Self-care can help you manage the challenges of long-distance caregiving. Consider the following tips:

• Join local support groups.
• Seek therapy if you need emotional support.
• Learn stress management techniques such as meditation and deep breathing.
• Delegate tasks and ask for help when needed.

 

Make Long-Distance Caregiving Easier With Reliable Elderly Monitoring Systems

Long-distance caregiving is possible with the right coordination and tools. Medical Care Alert offers reliable monitoring systems and devices to give you peace of mind. Each system comes with a lock box for your parent's key, so our emergency responders can access them rapidly without forced entry. Our agents know who and where your parent is, allowing us to send the exact help they need.

You can choose a medical alert device with special features such as fall detection and location tracking. Our devices can also integrate with a mobile app to help simplify long-distance caregiving. Our medical alert systems work in every state, ensuring your loved ones are protected no matter where they are located. Visit our service area map to learn more about the areas we cover. Sign up for a medical alert system to make your caregiving responsibilities easier. Call us at (855) 272-1010 to sign up or learn more about our monitoring solutions.