Caring for elderly parents when you live far away can present challenges when it comes to ensuring they receive the high quality of care they require. In some cases, your parents may not want to relocate to be closer to you, and it’s not always feasible for you to move closer to them. Fortunately, thanks to technology advancements and professional in-home care, you do have options for balancing your family, career, and long-distance caregiving duties.
Video Conferencing Technologies
Staying in touch and being able to see your parents is easier today using video conferencing apps like Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime. Being able to talk to your parents and see their reactions to questions gives you a good idea of their health and state of mind. Many of these apps are easy to install, set up, and use, even for technology-challenged seniors.
Other types of video conferencing apps that are starting to be more widely used enable you to virtually attend medical appointments with your parents. These apps allow you to ask the doctor questions about your parents’ care needs and overall health and wellbeing. Just keep in mind that doctors are limited in terms of the types of information they can share unless your parents make you their legal healthcare proxy.
Use Online Calendars & Share with Other Family Members
If you share long-distance caregiving with your siblings or other relatives, it’s helpful to set up an online calendar everyone can use. This way, everyone can quickly see each other’s personal schedules and know who’s going to be checking in on Mom and Dad. Plus, you can track doctors’ appointments and home care visits.
Seniors who need help with everyday tasks can benefit from professional in-home care. In-home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved ones continue to live independently.
Use Online Apps for Better Organization
Part of efficient time management is being organized. You can use different online apps like Dropbox or Google Docs for managing documents, contacts, and other information related to your parents’ care. These can also be easily shared with other family members who help with caregiving duties.
Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing serious illnesses and require more extensive home care. Arlington seniors can count on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide the in-home care they need and deserve.
Assemble a Long-Distance Care Team
Since you cannot be with your parents in person, it’s important to develop an on-site or nearby team of people who can check in on your parents and provide assistance with transportation, companionship, hygiene, meal preparation, shopping, and more. Your team could consist of:
- Home care providers
- Neighbors
- Relatives
- Friends
Having a local care team is not only beneficial for your parents, but it also provides you with peace of mind because you know they’re being looked after.
When considering elderly home care, Arlington, VA, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits. Assisting Hands Home Care can be your trusted partner in caregiving for your aging loved ones. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today at (703) 997-4334 to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.
