Ways to assist your senior loved one from long distance

Photo via Pixabay by RitaE

Living far away from your family members can be difficult, especially if they are aging or have health issues. It’s only natural to want to help them, but doing so from afar can be tricky and complicated. If you hold the power of attorney for your parents or are considered a “long-distance caregiver”, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin when it comes to helping out.

Fortunately, there are severalapps and services that will make life easier for both you and your loved one. With today’s technology, there are many ways you can help from afar and keep things running smoothly, not just for your loved one’s sake, but for your own.

There’s a lot to think about, but with some organized planning and assistance from technology, you can ensure your loved one is well taken care of. Here’s how to get started.

Get organized

It’s hard to be helpful when you’re overwhelmed and disorganized, so it’s important to find ways to keep things neat and at your fingertips for when you need them. Important photos or paperwork can be separated into folders via Dropbox, a helpful tool you can download on your smartphone or tablet, and you can share them with others if you need to. Read onhere for more great tools to help you get it together.

Communicate

Communication is key when you’re handling someone else’s care, so keep detailed records of anything important--medical issues, doctor’s notes, real estate paperwork, and end-of-life preparations--in a safe place and share it with those people who may need it for future reference. Keep communication open by speaking often to your loved one and getting contact details for their doctors and anyone else who plays an important role in their everyday life. One of the best ways to stay in touch from a distance is by Skype, an app you and your loved one can download and use to video chat whenever you want.

Help them stay social

Staying social can help keep a senior active and vital in their community, so look for ways they can get out and join up. Book clubs, gardening clubs, classes at the local community college, and events organized by senior centers are great ways for your loved one to meet new people and will give them something to look forward to. Look online for these types of organizations in your loved one’s town and talk to them about signing up.

You can also talk to your senior about the best ways to stay healthy and happy. For some, that means daily exercise and a well-balanced diet; for others, it’s learning how to live a sober life. Addiction can disrupt lives at any age, and if your loved one is battling the changes that come with recovery, it can be hard for them to find ways to reach out. They may feel ashamed, or there may be issues between them and former friends or family members. Talk to your loved one about the best ways to mend fences, which often simply starts with an honest discussion. For tips on how they can get started,ADrugRehab.org can help.

Taking care of someone from far away can take a toll on your physical, mental, and emotional health. Look for ways you can practice self-care; neglecting your own needs can lead to depression and other negative health issues, and can keep you from living your best life. Reach out for help when you need it; talk to your family members and close friends when you need a hand or just a sympathetic ear.

Marie Villeza