How To Take Care of Your Elderly Parents From Far Away

If you live an hour or so away from your elderly parents or another loved one who needs to be cared for, you may find yourself wondering what you can do from afar. You can start by determining if the seniors in your life need someone to look after them. Below are more helpful tips:

Form a Network of Support

Start by arranging emergency numbers and getting your friends, family and neighbors in the loop about caring for your parents. Let them know to keep an eye out for your senior and inform you if something is wrong. Give everyone your contact number and make other emergency numbers of health care providers accessible in the house.

Research about Their Illness

If your elderly parents have a specific illness, you may need to research more about it to find out what specific care needs to be provided. Learn how to deal with a crisis in this kind of situation and how to deal with the everyday management of the disease. You should know everything there is to know about the disease your loved one has. Also, provide your support network and caregivers with information about the disease so that they can take the necessary steps to care for your senior.

Keep In Touch With Health Providers

Remain in constant contact with their doctor and in home health care provider to keep informed about changes in their routine and health. Make conference calls a part of your routine. Keep in mind that you may have to make your parents sign a release to allow the doctor to discuss their condition with you.

Plan for Emergencies

Get your finances and work schedule in order in case an emergency occurs and you need to take care of loved one. Make sure your know your employer’s policies concerning leave and pay.

Other Things That You Can Do

It’s a good idea to consider if anything needs to be altered or upgraded the next time your visit the elders in your life. If they still drive, assess their driving safety. Consider it they can still climb the stairs, whether they need a wheelchair or walker and if there are tripping hazards around the house. Pay a personal visit to their doctor every time you visit them, and make it a habit to keep in constant touch with your senior so that they know you care.

Is there an elderly parent you care for from afar? Call Comforts of Home at 936-647-0674 to find out how you can help improve their lives through senior care.