- Utilize technology to stay connected with elderly loved ones while away. You can also check on them regularly.
- If you can’t be around physically, consider hiring a professional home health aide to provide assistance.
- Ask for help from neighbors and friends to keep an eye on your loved one while away.
- You can use medical alert devices to summon help quickly in an emergency.
- Plan ahead by having emergency contacts on hand, up-to-date medical records, a comprehensive care plan, etc.
As much as you would like to be there for your elderly loved ones all the time, the reality is that sometimes we just can’t. Whether due to work, family, or other responsibilities, there may be times when you have to be away from your loved ones for extended periods.
This can be especially concerning for those with elderly loved ones who require assistance or care. In this blog, you will learn essential tips for caring for your elderly loved one when you can’t be around physically.
Make Use of Technology
Thanks to technology, staying connected with your loved ones is easier than ever. Whether it’s through video calls, messaging apps, or social media platforms, there are plenty of ways to communicate with your elderly loved one, even when you’re not physically present. This will allow you to check on them regularly and ensure they’re okay.
Employ the Help of Professionals
If you’re unable to be around physically for your loved one, then it might be best to consider hiring a professional home health aide. A home health aide is a professional caregiver who offers in-home support to elderly or disabled individuals. They provide assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and household duties.
Home health aides also help with medication administration and other medical needs. In addition to providing basic care, home health aides are trained to observe patients and report any changes in their physical or mental condition to you.
Enlist the Help of Neighbors and Friends
Do you have neighbors or friends who are willing to help out? If so, reach out to them and ask if they can keep an eye on your loved one while you’re away. This can be as simple as checking in on them regularly, bringing them meals, or running errands for them. Having someone nearby who can assist in an emergency can also help ease your worries.
Use a Medical Alert Device
A medical alert device can be a lifesaver, especially for elderly individuals who may be living alone. These devices are designed to summon help quickly in the event of an emergency. Some devices can also track and monitor their movements. This can help you keep tabs on your loved one and make sure they’re safe, even when you’re not around.
Plan Ahead
Lastly, the best thing you can do to take care of your elderly loved one when you can’t be around is to plan ahead. Make sure you have a plan in place in case of an emergency. A good plan should include the following four things:
Emergency contacts
Having a list of emergency contacts ready is essential in case of an emergency. Make sure you include your loved one’s primary care physician, as well as any specialists they might be seeing. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have the contact information for family members and neighbors who can help if needed.
Medical records
Make sure to keep all of your elderly loved one’s medical records up to date. This includes information about any medications they are taking, allergies, and preexisting conditions. Having this information handy can be extremely useful in case of an emergency.
Care plan
Work with your loved one’s healthcare provider to create a comprehensive care plan for them. Be sure to include things like medication schedules, dietary plans, exercise routines, and any other instructions regarding their care.
Emergency supplies
Finally, make sure you have a stock of emergency supplies handy. This can include things like flashlights, batteries, first aid kits, and enough food and water to last at least a few days.
By having these in your plan, you can rest assured that your elderly loved one will be taken care of, even when you’re not physically present. Taking the time to plan ahead and prepare for any eventuality can help alleviate some of the stress and worry that accompany caring for a senior loved one from afar.
Caring for an elderly loved one from afar can be a difficult and stressful experience. However, by using technology, enlisting the help of professionals or neighbors, using medical alert devices, and planning ahead for any potential emergencies, you can ensure that your elderly family member is taken care of even when you are not physically present. Caring for someone we love should never feel like a burden; with these tips in mind, hopefully, it will become easier to provide our seniors with the best quality care possible.
