Long-Distance Caregivers - 3 Resources That Help You Take Care of Elder Family Members
Taking care of elder parents is not easy. According to a joint report by the National Alliance for Caregiving and the AARP, fifteen percent of the estimated 66 million caregivers in the United States are considered long-distance caregivers. Many family caregivers look after aging parents as they juggle full-time jobs and their children.
Long-distance caregiving is stressful, to say the least. Living afar makes it challenging to keep track of your loved one's health, nutrition, and daily needs. However, you do not need to make a long trip each time to check up on your loved one.
There are various ways long-distance caregivers can improve the standard of life of their loved ones through good planning and technology.
Buy Your Loved One a Smartphone
If your loved one doesn't own a smartphone, it's time to give them an upgrade, as it will make life easier in many ways. And even if they do, you can always buy a newer one with better reliability and features. Before handing over the phone, take the following steps:
Save contacts of all family members, their health providers, and emergency services
Install messaging apps such as WhatsApp or others used by the family, create an account and add them to the family group
Similarly, install a medicine tracker app that will provide them daily reminders for taking medicines at prescribed times
Buy a sturdy phone cover to protect the device from damage
Post-completion of these steps, take the time to teach your loved one the basic gestures for using the phone, such as swiping, tapping on icons, typing using thumbs, etc. Also, give them a demo of how to use the apps you've installed.
Through messaging apps, they'll be able to reach you at all times, especially when they need help. For instance, if home repairs need to be made, you can schedule a visit from a local handyman service. This way, they won't need to wait until your next visit, and the home will be well maintained all year round.
Install a Good Security System
If your loved one lives alone, installing a good security system is imperative. This can include break-in alarms for windows, external cameras, main door security cameras, and carbon monoxide detectors. Additionally, most new security systems can be accessed remotely through a tablet or smartphone. Hence, your loved one and you can constantly watch the home.
Cameras can also be installed indoors, which can help you monitor your loved one's movements. But, understandably, they may not feel comfortable being recorded in their own home. A good alternative is to install activity-based sensors which send alerts when activated. These can be attached to medicine cabinets, the refrigerator, and doorways to discreetly monitor basic requirements such as:
Whether or not your loved one has taken their daily medicine
Have they completed their daily routines?
Have they secured all doors before leaving the property or going to bed?
Schedule Telehealth Appointments
Telehealth has become a popular medium of health care during the COVID-19 pandemic, owing to major delays in securing in-person doctor appointments. For instance, as reported by VTDigger, average wait times for appointments in Vermont range from 20 to 90 days. Not only is this problematic for individuals wanting to meet doctors for check-ups, but it can also prevent them from renewing prescriptions.
Utilizing telehealth will provide various benefits to your loved one, such as:
Timely Appointments: Whether your loved one wants to meet the doctor regarding their condition or renew prescriptions, appointments can be set based on their chosen dates.
Ease of Access: Using their smartphone, your loved one can meet doctors from the comfort of their home. This helps overcome the need to travel to far-away clinics or hospitals. For individuals having conditions that restrict physical movement, telehealth can become the preferred mode of healthcare for non-emergency reasons.
According to research, only 1% of seniors in the United States have experience using telehealth. Hence, make it a point to attend the first few sessions with your loved one. Plan your next doctor's appointment in advance to ensure you can be there and help with any questions they have regarding the process.
While these steps will make long-distance care easier, your loved one may take time for adjustment. During the process, it's important to remain patient and work with them to ensure all their needs are met.