Caring for Your Elderly Parent from a Distance

Home Care in Shelter Island NY

You live on the other side of America from your parent, and yet you have been placed on their caregiving team. You want to support your parent and those family members that will be playing a more pivotal role, and yet you don’t know how to contribute from such a distance. The advent of the computer age has made your input both helpful and crucial. You can be a productive member of your parent’s family caregiving team despite the distance.

Help Your Family Find a Home Care Provider

A home care provider can assist your parent with the daily activities of living. They are trained in such activities as bathing and dressing, transferring and mobility, meal preparation and light housekeeping. They offer transportation and grocery shopping as well as medication reminders. One of the most valuable services they provide is that all-important companionship. Whether for a few days a week or one week a month, they can offer respite that the primary family caregiver will come to require. These professionals are highly skilled in the needs of seniors. Their presence will truly allow the primary family caregiver to enjoy their days off and not spend them worrying about your parent. You can provide the initial contact as well as set-up interviews with your parent and family member. In this way, your parent feels that they are still a vital member of the family, capable of contributing their opinion and suggestions.

Contact

Set-up a weekly call or, better yet, a video chat if you and your parent have access to a computer with a camera. Companionship is crucial to both the emotional and physical well-being of your aging parent. What may seem like a little contribution to you, will provide immense support to your siblings and your elderly parent.

Online

Putting your computer to use for the benefit of the whole plays a vital role in caring for an elderly parent at a distance. Possible projects include setting up an online bank account for your parent in order for you to pay their bills for them and ensure timely processing and no late fees. Talk to your parent regarding meal solutions and to your siblings should there be any dietary restrictions, and then set up a weekly menu along with a shopping list. Suggest and attend a weekly caregiving team conference via video chat or phone call. Your presence, support and effort will be appreciated.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional home care in Shelter Island, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.