Long-distance caregiving can be a challenge. This is also a common setting for family caregivers who are situated far from their loved ones and who are unable to provide around-the-clock care. With the birth of modern-day technology, keeping in touch with aging loved ones is a great way to keep tabs on their health, well-being, and safety.
Although it's frequently during the holidays or for special occasions, many families only see each in person a few times annually. Unfortunately, health conditions can worsen without notice and although you might not be able to get together often, there are still ways to monitor your loved one's health when communicating virtually by knowing what warning signs to look out for.
It can be a challenge to keep tabs on your loved ones if they’re far away from you. Here at BrightStar Care, we are all about sharing helpful tips for you to navigate your way through long-distance caregiving.
Here are some helpful tips for long-distance caregivers:
These observations can help you identify if anything is of concern. You can also observe their surroundings and see if their home is tidy enough and free of any safety hazards. This is a great way to keep tabs on your loved one's overall well-being.
It’s also good to note how the structure of the conversation is going. Are they repeating the same question frequently? Are they easily forgetting information that you mentioned a couple of times before? Although we all have our moments of forgetfulness, these symptoms could also be a sign of early-stage dementia or side effects of medication.
Oftentimes, seniors usually feel the need to tough out situations and avoid asking for help for fear of seeming like a burden to their family members. A great way to go about this is by framing your conversations with questions. Some questions you could ask are:
More often than not, a lot of elder adults prefer to be on their own and are more fiercely independent than others. When reaching out, it’s great to encourage them by saying how happy you are to be helping out. This creates a safer environment for them to ask for help from you.
To know more about our caregiving services, you can always contact BrightStar Care of Conejo at 805-233-3800 or visit us at 370 N. Westlake Blvd. Suite 120 Westlake Village, CA 91362, and speak with one of our experts who will help you get started. Thank you for taking the time to read this!
Although it's frequently during the holidays or for special occasions, many families only see each in person a few times annually. Unfortunately, health conditions can worsen without notice and although you might not be able to get together often, there are still ways to monitor your loved one's health when communicating virtually by knowing what warning signs to look out for.
It can be a challenge to keep tabs on your loved ones if they’re far away from you. Here at BrightStar Care, we are all about sharing helpful tips for you to navigate your way through long-distance caregiving.
Here are some helpful tips for long-distance caregivers:
1. Observe Any Visible Changes
One great thing about social media is its ease of access. It’s easier for you and your loved ones to share photos and videos with each other, and even better, video calling is a great way to simulate a face-to-face conversation. With all of these methods in catching up and checking in on your elderly loved ones, you can use this as a way to observe any visible changes. There are physical symptoms that are applicable to certain health conditions that may be difficult to spot if you don’t know what to look for. Here are some things to look out for:- Expression: How is your loved one expressing their emotions while talking? Do they look enthusiastic, disengaged, or tired?
- Hygiene: Do they look neat and well-put together? Or do they look unusually unkempt?
- Mobility: Are they having a hard time standing up or going around while talking to you?
These observations can help you identify if anything is of concern. You can also observe their surroundings and see if their home is tidy enough and free of any safety hazards. This is a great way to keep tabs on your loved one's overall well-being.
2. Observe Any Changes You Can Hear
While you’re on the phone with your loved one, observe their voice. Is their tone of voice emulating calmness and ease? Or do they sound unusually stressed and uneasy? Is there a stutter in their voice and are they coughing a lot between sentences? These are telltale signs of emotional or respiratory conditions that may need a doctor’s check-up.It’s also good to note how the structure of the conversation is going. Are they repeating the same question frequently? Are they easily forgetting information that you mentioned a couple of times before? Although we all have our moments of forgetfulness, these symptoms could also be a sign of early-stage dementia or side effects of medication.
3. Voice Out Your Concerns
While ensuring the safety of our loved ones can be the main priority, it’s also important to be mindful of their emotions and feelings. If you are concerned about any surfacing symptoms, confronting your loved one can be a challenge. They can end up feeling defensive about their independence and capabilities, so it is best to approach them in a calm and patient manner in order for them to feel safe to discuss these symptoms.Oftentimes, seniors usually feel the need to tough out situations and avoid asking for help for fear of seeming like a burden to their family members. A great way to go about this is by framing your conversations with questions. Some questions you could ask are:
- How are things going with your health?
- We’re working on our gutters. How are you doing with that, Mom?
- Been doing a lot of chores at home! How are your chores, Dad?
More often than not, a lot of elder adults prefer to be on their own and are more fiercely independent than others. When reaching out, it’s great to encourage them by saying how happy you are to be helping out. This creates a safer environment for them to ask for help from you.
Contact BrightStar Care of Conejo!
Staying in touch regularly and knowing what to listen to and look for can help you stay on top of your loved one's condition and remind them that you love and care about them.To know more about our caregiving services, you can always contact BrightStar Care of Conejo at 805-233-3800 or visit us at 370 N. Westlake Blvd. Suite 120 Westlake Village, CA 91362, and speak with one of our experts who will help you get started. Thank you for taking the time to read this!