Long Distance Caregiving Challenges and Solutions
Many people live far away from their elderly family members, which can make it difficult to provide them with the care they need.
Instead of helping on a day-to-day basis, the long distance caregiver must rely on periodic visits and the reports of others.
Thus, long distance caregiving does pose some unique concerns.
Luckily, most of the concerns can be solved.
Concern: You elderly family member doesn't eat nutritional meals or cannot leave the home to go grocery shopping.
Solution: Create an online account at a grocery store, and then have food delivered every week or so.
You can fill the virtual shopping cart yourself or collaborate with your elderly family member.
It is also possible to have pre-made meals delivered to the home.
Several companies offer this service.
There have many options, including meals that are low in carbohydrates, sodium, or calories.
This option is great for people with medical conditions or special dietary needs.
Concern: Doctor's appointments aren't as beneficial as they should be.
Solution: Ask your loved one if you can have access to his medical files.
If he agrees, make sure he signs a release form at the next appointment.
Better yet, schedule his next appointment to coincide with your visit.
Once you are able to communicate with his doctor openly, you can express any concerns you may have.
You will also know exactly what the doctor expects of his patient.
Concern: Your loved one is content living at home, and refuses to move into an assisted living residence even though you think it is a good idea.
Solution: Ask neighbors to check in periodically and purchase a Medical Alert System.
The system includes a panic button, and the accessories needed to wear it as a pendant, watch, or on a belt clip.
Once the button is pressed, a larger home unit calls a live dispatcher who can then help your loved one get whatever help he needs.
A remote monitoring system is also a great product that can greatly ease your anxiety.
This device can be programmed to have a live video feed.
It can also be used to adjust the temperature and lighting-it can even set the burglar alarm! Long distance caregiving is a challenge, but the new products available make it easier than ever.
In many cases, your loved one can now live happily at home due to advances in technology.
Instead of helping on a day-to-day basis, the long distance caregiver must rely on periodic visits and the reports of others.
Thus, long distance caregiving does pose some unique concerns.
Luckily, most of the concerns can be solved.
Concern: You elderly family member doesn't eat nutritional meals or cannot leave the home to go grocery shopping.
Solution: Create an online account at a grocery store, and then have food delivered every week or so.
You can fill the virtual shopping cart yourself or collaborate with your elderly family member.
It is also possible to have pre-made meals delivered to the home.
Several companies offer this service.
There have many options, including meals that are low in carbohydrates, sodium, or calories.
This option is great for people with medical conditions or special dietary needs.
Concern: Doctor's appointments aren't as beneficial as they should be.
Solution: Ask your loved one if you can have access to his medical files.
If he agrees, make sure he signs a release form at the next appointment.
Better yet, schedule his next appointment to coincide with your visit.
Once you are able to communicate with his doctor openly, you can express any concerns you may have.
You will also know exactly what the doctor expects of his patient.
Concern: Your loved one is content living at home, and refuses to move into an assisted living residence even though you think it is a good idea.
Solution: Ask neighbors to check in periodically and purchase a Medical Alert System.
The system includes a panic button, and the accessories needed to wear it as a pendant, watch, or on a belt clip.
Once the button is pressed, a larger home unit calls a live dispatcher who can then help your loved one get whatever help he needs.
A remote monitoring system is also a great product that can greatly ease your anxiety.
This device can be programmed to have a live video feed.
It can also be used to adjust the temperature and lighting-it can even set the burglar alarm! Long distance caregiving is a challenge, but the new products available make it easier than ever.
In many cases, your loved one can now live happily at home due to advances in technology.
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