Care giving family members who live a considerable distance from their older loved ones are faced with unique challenges. They want to provide the best care possible, but not being in the area can make them feel that they are out of touch with their loved one’s daily life.
Even though this situation can be difficult, there are ways to maximize your effectiveness as a long distance care giver. Let’s look at 5 great ways to do that.
Know All that You Can
The most important thing you can do as a long distanced care giver is to learn everything you can about your loved one’s daily circumstances.
Ask yourself these questions:
- How well do they manage around the house? What are their physical capabilities?
- Are they able to dress, bath and prepare meals?
- What time do they rise in the morning and go to bed at night?
- What medications do they take and when?
Monitor Medications Carefully
Medication plays a critical role in many seniors’ lives. If you are a long distance care giver, it is extremely important that you understand everything about your loved one’s medication needs and schedule.
Knowing the type of medicine they take, the reason for it, their refill schedule and daily dosage will be a great help in making sure that everything is taken properly and consistently.
Help your loved one stay organized with their medicine by purchasing a daily pill dispenser. This is a simple and highly effective way to ensure that they take the right medication each day.
Build Relationships with their Doctors & Other Care Givers
Getting to know your loved one’s doctor, nurse or other medical professionals is vitally important, as it gives you the opportunity to stay in direct touch with the people treating them. Ask your loved one if they would be willing to assign you as their Medical Power of Attorney, so you can have in-depth discussions with providers about their health status.
Participate over the phone if possible during appointments or schedule a call afterward with the doctor or provider to be briefed on everything you need to know.
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Schedule a Regular Touch Base Time
Whether you speak to your loved one daily, every few days or once a week, be sure to schedule a dedicated time to do it consistently. This will not only give them a sense of comfort knowing when they will be speaking to you, but it also establishes a routine that you both can rely upon.
Should your loved one miss a call or a scheduled touch base time, you can immediately look into the matter to make sure they are ok.
Visit As Often As You Can
One of the best things you can do as a long distance care giver is to visit your loved one as much as possible. Instead of leaving a visit up to chance, make arrangements that you will come at the same time each month or on a schedule that is convenient for both of you.
While long distance care giving is possible, there is no substitute for a physical visit to accurately assess how your loved one is doing overall.
Frontier Senior Living is Here to Help
The team at Frontier Senior Living knows that care giving can be very challenging, especially when it is being done long distance. Our mission is to help seniors live healthy and happy lives.
If you would like information on how to receive help with the care giving of your senior loved one, we cordially invite you to visit one of our beautiful communities, take a tour and speak with our friendly and compassionate staff.
Find a community near you
that perfectly fits your needs.
Nearby Communities
Keepsake Village of Columbus Memory Care
2564 Fox Pointe Drive Columbus, Indiana 47203 (812) 900-4936 Levels of Care:Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Landing on Dundee Senior Living
156 West Dundee Road Wheeling, Illinois 60090 (224) 313-4547 Levels of Care:Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Auberge at Naperville
1936 Brookdale Road Naperville, Illinois 60563 (331) 305-6175 Levels of Care:Memory Care
