Caring for Long-Distance Loved Ones
In an ideal world, our aging loved ones would live nearby so we could care for them and visit them whenever we wanted. Unfortunately, living within walking or driving distance from our loved ones is not always an option, but that doesn’t mean we can’t care for them and ensure their safety.
Long-Distance Care Tips
While nothing beats in-person interactions with your aging loved ones, there are ways you can provide care and companionship at a distance.
Connect Virtually
Technological advances make it possible to connect easily with your loved one, no matter the distance. You can call your loved one on the phone, FaceTime, video chat, or share photos and videos through social media.
Not only can you talk to your loved one, but many online services allow you to watch movies with a loved one, such as Teleparty, or play games with them online. You can also set up a virtual book club with family and friends through Fable.
Ask for Help From Local Friends and Neighbors
If you don’t live near your aging loved one, consider contacting people who do, such as local friends or neighbors. Ask if they’d be willing to stop by weekly or monthly to check in with your loved one. Sometimes, knowing there is someone there to help and support your loved one when they need it can add a significant amount of relief.
It may feel uncomfortable at first asking neighbors or friends to check in on a loved one, but if the individual knows your loved one, you may be surprised how willing they’ll be to help out. Chances are, they care for your loved one and want them to be safe, just like you do.
Hire a Professional Caregiver
Sometimes, a simple check-in from a neighbor isn’t enough, especially if your loved one has a chronic condition or needs daily assistance. Or maybe there isn’t someone nearby to lend a hand. In that case, you may want to consider hiring a professional caregiver.
You can work with a professional caregiver part-time or full-time, and they can help with various nonmedical tasks to ensure your loved one is safe and comfortable at home. Caregivers can also update you to let you know how your loved one is doing and alert you if something seems off.
Long-Distance Care with Visiting Angels
At Visiting Angels Coastal Alabama, we understand that it’s not always possible to be there for your loved ones physically, and it’s not something you need to feel guilty about. If your loved one needs assistance, our caregivers can help. We offer companion and personal care services to assist clients with nonmedical tasks to help them stay safe and comfortable at home. Caregivers can help with light housekeeping, medication reminders, personal grooming, and appointment transportation. We also have a social care program to help clients stay in touch with their loved ones by helping them navigate technology like texting, video calls, social media, and emails.
If your aging loved one lives in Baldwin County or the greater Mobile area, the caregivers at our Daphne office can help. We offer temporary, part-time, and full-time care options, all customizable to meet the needs of your loved one.
Schedule your complimentary consultation and get your aging loved one the long-distance care they deserve.