Caring for aging parents can be a challenging experience, especially when they live far away. Long-distance caregiving can be stressful, as you may not be able to be physically present to help with daily tasks or provide emotional support. Having your elderly parents continue to live at home while you’re far away may seem out of the question.
However, there are strategies you can use to care for an aging parent (or parents) long distance, allowing them to remain in their own home and provide them with a sense of independence. Let’s discuss how you can provide support for your single parent or parents from afar.
You may also want to set up a shared online calendar to keep track of appointments and events. This additional level of transparency will allow you to feel involved and connected with their everyday lives. It also provides transparency into the day-to-day to ensure you’re always informed. Staying organized is key to success.
By coordinating care with family or contacts local to the Cleveland area, you’ll be able to receive a third party account of your parents’ health and care. This can be especially comforting and informational if you have a parent who may not be forthcoming with issues or concerns.
You can coordinate care with them in a number of ways. This can include dividing up tasks, scheduling appointments, or providing emotional support. If asking for help doesn’t come easy to you, there are tips for engaging others in caring for elderly parents to help you start the conversation.
Hiring professional caregivers can provide assistance with daily tasks and medical needs. This can include home health aides, nurses, or physical therapists. You can work with a Northeast Ohio in-home care agency who provides services such as cooking, cleaning, personal care, and transportation.
Even if you have other Cleveland contacts who are willing to check up on your parents, engaging a caregiver will ensure:
For anyone who lives alone, social isolation can become a problem – especially if they’re elderly. Encouraging social interaction can help prevent feelings of loneliness and depression. This can include scheduling regular visits from friends and family, or finding social activities for them to participate in, such as exercise classes or book clubs. The Cleveland’s Department of Aging and Senior Living Northeast Ohio are great resources when searching for activities and events.
Planning for emergencies is especially important when caring for an elderly parent who lives alone. This can include having a list of emergency contacts, ensuring that they have a fully charged cell phone, and having a plan in place in case of a power outage or natural disaster. You may also want to consider installing a medical alert system that can summon help in case of a medical emergency.
Modifying the home environment can help make it safer and more accessible for an elderly parent who lives alone. This can include adding grab bars in the bathroom, removing tripping hazards, such as throw rugs, and installing a stair lift if necessary. You may also want to consider adding smart home technology, such as a medical alert system or a home security system.
While caring for aging parents from afar is not optimal, it’s possible. By working with others, such as your parents’ healthcare providers, family members, friends and professional caregivers, you can ensure they are receiving the best care and quality of life. They can live safely in their own home, benefiting from comfort and independence. For a parent who lives alone, they will have the added benefit of companionship, monitoring and support.
If you have any questions or need help creating a care plan for your elderly parent or parents, we’re here to help. Our in-home care experts are available 24/7 to walk you through your options and provide you with the resources so you can confidently care for your aging parents even if you’re not physically close to them. Call us at (440) 613-1500 or reach out via our website to start the conversation.
However, there are strategies you can use to care for an aging parent (or parents) long distance, allowing them to remain in their own home and provide them with a sense of independence. Let’s discuss how you can provide support for your single parent or parents from afar.
Communication with Your Aging Parents
Staying in contact with your aging parents is essential when caring for them long distance. Regular phone calls, video chats, and emails can help you stay up-to-date on their needs and provide emotional support.You may also want to set up a shared online calendar to keep track of appointments and events. This additional level of transparency will allow you to feel involved and connected with their everyday lives. It also provides transparency into the day-to-day to ensure you’re always informed. Staying organized is key to success.
Does Your Parent Live Alone?
If you have an elderly parent who lives alone, regular check-ins are crucial for monitoring their health, safety, and emotional well-being. Setting daily or weekly reminders or calendar appointments will help you stay on top of communications and prevent neglect during your busy schedule. Learn more tips on how to stay connected to aging parents.Local Support Care for Elderly Parents
Establishing a support network is essential when caring for aging parents long distance. This can include family members, friends, neighbors, or professional caregivers.
Engaging Family Members, Friends and Neighbors
By coordinating care with family or contacts local to the Cleveland area, you’ll be able to receive a third party account of your parents’ health and care. This can be especially comforting and informational if you have a parent who may not be forthcoming with issues or concerns.You can coordinate care with them in a number of ways. This can include dividing up tasks, scheduling appointments, or providing emotional support. If asking for help doesn’t come easy to you, there are tips for engaging others in caring for elderly parents to help you start the conversation.
Hiring Professional Caregivers
Hiring professional caregivers can provide assistance with daily tasks and medical needs. This can include home health aides, nurses, or physical therapists. You can work with a Northeast Ohio in-home care agency who provides services such as cooking, cleaning, personal care, and transportation.Even if you have other Cleveland contacts who are willing to check up on your parents, engaging a caregiver will ensure:
- Check-ins will occur regularly
- You’ll receive a detailed update
- They are being monitored by professionals
Does Your Parent Live Alone?
For anyone who lives alone, social isolation can become a problem – especially if they’re elderly. Encouraging social interaction can help prevent feelings of loneliness and depression. This can include scheduling regular visits from friends and family, or finding social activities for them to participate in, such as exercise classes or book clubs. The Cleveland’s Department of Aging and Senior Living Northeast Ohio are great resources when searching for activities and events.Steps for Caring for Elderly Parents Long Distance
Step #1: Assess Your Parents Needs
Assessing your aging parents' needs is important to determine the level of care they require. You may need to consult with their healthcare providers, financial advisors, or legal professionals to understand their medical, financial, and legal needs. This can help you make informed decisions about their care.Step #2: Create a Care Plan
Creating a care plan can help you stay organized and ensure that your parents' needs are being met. This can include a list of medical providers, medications, and emergency contacts. You may also want to include information about their legal and financial affairs. You can work with a professional caregiver or a geriatric care manager to develop a care plan.Planning for emergencies is especially important when caring for an elderly parent who lives alone. This can include having a list of emergency contacts, ensuring that they have a fully charged cell phone, and having a plan in place in case of a power outage or natural disaster. You may also want to consider installing a medical alert system that can summon help in case of a medical emergency.
Step #3: Modify the Home Environment
Making modifications to your parents' home can help them stay safe and independent. This can include installing motion sensor lights, adding non-slip surfaces, or removing clutter. You may also want to consider hiring a home safety specialist to assess the home and make recommendations.Modifying the home environment can help make it safer and more accessible for an elderly parent who lives alone. This can include adding grab bars in the bathroom, removing tripping hazards, such as throw rugs, and installing a stair lift if necessary. You may also want to consider adding smart home technology, such as a medical alert system or a home security system.
While caring for aging parents from afar is not optimal, it’s possible. By working with others, such as your parents’ healthcare providers, family members, friends and professional caregivers, you can ensure they are receiving the best care and quality of life. They can live safely in their own home, benefiting from comfort and independence. For a parent who lives alone, they will have the added benefit of companionship, monitoring and support.
If you have any questions or need help creating a care plan for your elderly parent or parents, we’re here to help. Our in-home care experts are available 24/7 to walk you through your options and provide you with the resources so you can confidently care for your aging parents even if you’re not physically close to them. Call us at (440) 613-1500 or reach out via our website to start the conversation.