Caring for Your Senior from a Distance

Life and careers can take people all over the country and the world. Sometimes this means that they are separated from those they love and must care for an aging parent from afar. Although this is not the ideal situation, there are ways to make it work. Sometimes a parent may not want to leave their home to move closer to family, or their health may decline unexpectedly, requiring additional care. There are countless reasons why long-distance care of a senior may occur, but with proper planning, you can still ensure that their needs are being met.

Arrange for In-Home Care

If your senior is still fairly independent but could use some supervision and assistance, in-home care can be a beneficial option. This arranges for a caregiver to go to your loved one’s home and assist with personal care, activities of daily living, general home upkeep, outings, organization, and many other things. They also offer companionship and conversation while keeping an eye on your loved one. This can alleviate some of the stress of worrying about their health, safety, and well-being when you cannot be there. You can also ask friends or neighbors to periodically check in with your senior.

Keep in Touch

Your loved one is always just a phone call away, so set a schedule for when you will call, or how often you will call. This not only gives your aging parent something to look forward to, but also does the same for you. Another option is to use Skype, ooVoo, or another online chat program. Sending letters and pictures is another way to connect and send small mementos about your life so your loved one can feel more up to date. By arranging for regular communication, you can also have a better reference to identify when something may require more attention or seems out of the ordinary.

Organize Necessary Documents and Services

Make sure that you have copies of your parent’s living will, medical information, financial information, or other data. Get permission for doctors to disclose important health information over the phone. If you are worried about managing your loved one’s finances, hire a financial planner or accountant to handle these responsibilities and oversee your parent’s finances. Being proactive can ensure that you have access to the information you need when you need it and the power to make important decisions.

Plan with Family

Talk to family about taking turns visiting your loved one. This can reduce the burden on any one person and allow everyone to spend quality time with your senior. Make sure to update each other and relay any questions or concerns so that they can be properly addressed. With proper planning and effort, caring for your senior from a distance can be a viable option that still ensures they are safe and well cared for.

The Home Modifications Necessary For Seniors Aging in Place

Many seniors prefer to age in place, which means that they want to enjoy their later years in the comfort of their own home. While aging in place can be great for a person’s mental health, it’s important to make necessary modifications to keep the residence safe as a person gets older. Some modifications that will help your elderly loved one to age in place successfully include:

Removing area rugs and other tripping hazards

Your elderly parent’s home can quickly become hazardous if the floor is littered with cords, clothing, and other items that they may end up tripping on. Additionally, the corners of area rugs can start to lift over time, creating another unsafe situation for your loved one. To prevent this from happening, make sure to pay close attention to the floor of your elderly loved one’s home. It should be clear of any potential hazards at all times. Even small items can create a disastrous situation. 

Replace any light bulbs that have burnt out

In order to keep your elderly loved one safe, their home must be well lit. This means quickly replacing light bulbs that have burnt out, thus preventing your senior from having to wander through their residence in the dark. When it comes to in-home care for elderly individuals, good visibility is essential.

Placing grab bars throughout the property

Getting off balance for even a few seconds can put your senior at serious risk of suffering from a devastating fall. Install grab bars throughout the home to make it easy for an elderly individual to quickly regain their balance should they start to get off-center. Place them in hallways, in the kitchen, and especially in the bathroom. In many instances, they can mean the difference between life and death.

Invest in a shower seat

According to professionals in home care, Iowa families should consider installing a shower seat in their senior’s bathtub. This enables them to enjoy a shower without having to worry about standing on their feet and maneuvering around for an extended period of time. Shower seats drastically reduce the risk of in-shower falls, and can enable your loved one to enjoy their bathing experience without worrying about having an accident. This and other minor modifications can make a huge difference when it comes to your senior’s safety as they relax at home.