Long-Distance Caregiving Solutions in Raleigh, NC & Nearby Areas
It may be physically and emotionally taxing for family members and loved ones of elderly adults in Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Wake Forest, Fuquay-Varina, and the surrounding areas to find answers for long-distance senior care. Interestingly, research conducted by the National Alliance for Caregiving revealed that family members who provide long-distance care for a loved one are 47 percent more prone to emotional discomfort due to the duty compared to closer-living family members.
However, caring for a loved one from afar doesn't always have to be a challenge. With the right tools and resources, you can ensure your loved one's safety and well-being, no matter the distance.
Long-Distance Caregiving Tips When Your Elderly Loved One Lives in Raleigh, NC or the Surrounding Communities
What are the difficulties that families face while providing long-distance care for older family members? Because of work, family, and travel responsibilities, adult children living outside of Wake County, NC may not have the time, energy, or resources to adequately care for an elderly parent. A loved one's well-being and the ability to live freely might be neglected when you are too busy to check in on them or provide them the help they need.
Here are a few tips to help ease the burden of providing long-distance care for an elderly family member:
Discuss What Your Loved One Needs to Age in Place
Before hiring professional caregivers or asking family members to assist an aging loved one, it is important to discuss their specific requirements. Know what you can assist with, but be honest about your boundaries and voice any concerns you may have. For example, you may be able to help a loved one out with their finances, health, or legal matters without ever leaving your house, but you may not be available to provide transportation if they have appointments to attend or errands to run. With the help of the expert caregivers at Visiting Angels of Raleigh, you and your loved ones may figure out ways to complement one other's strengths and determine who is responsible for what tasks.
Plan Ahead for Emergencies
It is wise to prepare ahead and be proactive when making arrangements for elderly care in case of an emergency. For example, keeping a loved one's medical records in an emergency medical file makes it easy to obtain all of their important medical information in the event of a medical emergency.
Help Your Loved One During In-Home Visits
One of the most effective methods to monitor the health and well-being of an older loved one is to pay them a visit in person at their place of residence. Take note of any changes in their emotional or physical well-being, as well as any pending chores around the house. Hire a professional in-home caregiver to help out with the mundane tasks like light housekeeping or shopping for groceries so you and your loved one may spend more quality time together.
Make Sure Your Loved One Lives in a Safe Environment
During your visit with your elderly loved one, you should assess the home's suitability for your loved one's care requirements and medical issues. Always be on the lookout for hazards, such as clutter, wet floors, pests, or indications that your loved one is having problems accessing certain items. With the assistance of a home care expert from Visiting Angels of Raleigh and other members of the family, your loved one may be able to stay safe and avoid falling while they are at home.
Be Aware of the Signs of Elder Abuse
Concerns about elder abuse are prevalent among families with elderly loved ones living far away. On the other hand, if you are aware of what to watch for, you will be able to assist in keeping your loved one safe. Visiting Angels of Raleigh and similar professional agencies may help prevent elder abuse by providing high-quality in-home care. Behavior changes, increased isolation, unexplained injuries, an untidy appearance, or avoidable ailments like bed sores are common signs of elder abuse.
Have Someone Keep You Informed
It is helpful to have one person you can go to for updates on your loved one's health since it might be overwhelming to get messages from everyone. A nearby relative, a reliable neighbor, one of your loved one's closest friends, or a professional caregiver from Visiting Angels of Raleigh are all good options. This individual may keep the family updated on any changes in your loved one's health or behavior, acting as an extra set of "eyes and ears" for the family.
Hire a Professional In-Home Caregiver from Visiting Angels of Raleigh
Being able to provide support to a senior loved one from a distance does not have to be difficult. You may rest easy knowing that your loved one can get reliable, one-on-one in-home care from Visiting Angels of Raleigh. Our caregivers will assist with their normal routines and errands. In addition to helping with routine activities, we can provide your loved one with the company they need to meet their social needs and keep you and your family informed. Rest assured, we can include you in the process of arranging long-distance senior care, even if you reside outside of Wake County.
When you choose Visiting Angels of Raleigh for in-home care, your loved one will have someone to help them be secure and comfortable in their own home at all times. We can tailor our care plans to your loved one's particular needs. Our Angels can help seniors age in place in a good way, providing peace of mind to you and your family. Whether they need assistance with nutritious food preparation or mobility after knee surgery, our caregivers are here to help.
Call our Raleigh, NC office at 919-787-4317 or fill out our form to schedule a free in-home consultation today!