The thought of your mom or dad’s health declining more than likely fills you with fear. If you live in another city or country, you might worry you will miss clues about their ailing health or that you cannot be there if they experience a medical emergency.
If you’re unable to check in on a parent regularly and their health is starting to decline, you might need to consider additional services, technologies, and care options to protect their wellbeing. Find out how to care for an aging parent at a distance.
Talk to Your Parent About Their Wishes
If your mom or dad is starting to struggle with a health condition or mobility issues, talk to them about their wishes should they need extra care. While broaching the conversation might feel difficult, it is important you are both on the same page to avoid frustration, arguments, and heartache. For example, ask them if they would be willing to move into an assisted living community or if they would prefer a home caregiver.
Research Care Options
If your aging parent is against care services, they might need additional information to help them make the right choice for their needs. Look for the many benefits of a specific care option. According to Brightview assisted living in Baltimore, some of the most common reasons for choosing a senior living community are access to care, assistance, daily programs, socialization, quality meals, and safety/security. If cooking has become a struggle or they suffer from loneliness as you live many miles away, your parent may like the idea of delicious meals or companionship during their senior years.
Introduce a Medical Alert System
A medical alert system can notify emergency responders to attend your parent’s property if they experience a fall. Your mom or dad will have a wearable device that can detect an accident in the home, which will ensure a loved one receives immediate medical care.
Plus, an emergency responder can communicate with your parent to help them remain calm and identify the issue. It can provide you with peace of mind that your loved one will receive the appropriate care when you cannot be by their side.
Connect Over Video
The likes of Skype and FaceTime have made it easier than ever for loved ones to stay in touch. If you live many miles away, you can guarantee your mom or dad would love to chat with you via video, as it can help them enjoy some face-to-face interaction. If they struggle to use a computer, tablet, or smartphone, there are senior-friendly devices available that are simple to use, such as GrandPad.
Sign-Up for the AARP’s Friendly Voice Program
If you worry your aging parent waits anxiously by the phone for your call, encourage them to sign-up for the AARP’s Friendly Voice program. Subscribers will receive regular phone calls from volunteers, which will allow them to enjoy a conversation with a warm, friendly person. It can help combat loneliness, and it could break up their day.
