How to Help Elderly Parents from a Distance

Elderly parents on video phone call with family from a distance

Caring for elderly parents is a significant responsibility, but it becomes even more challenging when you live far away. Whether due to career demands, family obligations, or other circumstances, many adult children find themselves in the position of needing to support their aging parents from a distance. While this can be a daunting task, there are effective strategies and resources that can help you provide the necessary care and support for your elderly parents, even when you’re not physically present.

In this blog, we’ll explore practical ways to help your elderly parents from a distance, including leveraging technology, coordinating care, staying connected, and knowing when to visit.

1. Leverage Technology to Stay Connected

Technology can play a crucial role in helping you stay connected with your elderly parents, even if you live miles away. Numerous tools and devices are available to bridge the gap between you and your loved ones, ensuring that they feel supported and you stay informed about their well-being.

Video Calls and Messaging Apps

Regular communication is key to supporting your parents from afar. Video calls through platforms like Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype allow you to see and speak with your parents as if you were in the same room. These virtual visits can help you gauge their emotional state, check on their living conditions, and provide them with much-needed social interaction.

Health Monitoring Devices

For parents with chronic health conditions, remote monitoring devices can be a lifesaver. Devices like blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, and even smartwatches can track vital signs and share this data with you and their healthcare providers in real-time. This technology allows you to stay informed about your parent’s health and take action if something seems amiss.

Medication Management Apps

Managing medications can be challenging for elderly individuals, especially if they have multiple prescriptions. Medication management apps like Medisafe can remind your parents to take their medications on time and notify you if a dose is missed. This ensures they adhere to their medication schedule, reducing the risk of health complications.

Home Security and Monitoring Systems

To ensure your parents’ safety, consider installing home security and monitoring systems. Smart home devices like doorbell cameras, motion detectors, and emergency alert systems can help you keep an eye on your parent’s home and provide peace of mind. Some systems also offer fall detection and automatic emergency response features, which are particularly useful for seniors living alone.

2. Coordinate Care from Afar

Coordinating care for your elderly parents from a distance requires careful planning and the involvement of local resources. By building a support network and establishing routines, you can ensure your parents receive the care they need, even when you’re not there.

Hire a Local Caregiver

One of the most effective ways to provide care for your parents from a distance is to hire a local caregiver. This professional can assist with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and transportation to appointments. A caregiver can also provide companionship, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation that many elderly individuals experience.

When choosing a caregiver, it’s important to vet candidates thoroughly and ensure they have the necessary qualifications and experience. SeniorCare Companions can help you find trustworthy and compassionate caregivers who can meet your parent’s specific needs.

Establish a Relationship with Local Healthcare Providers

Maintaining a strong relationship with your parent’s local healthcare providers is essential when you’re caring for them from afar. Ensure that you have the contact information for their primary care physician, specialists, and any home health aides. Regular communication with these providers will help you stay informed about your parent’s health status and any changes in their care needs.

If possible, schedule virtual appointments with your parent’s doctors to discuss their health and any concerns you might have. This allows you to stay involved in their care without the need for frequent travel.

Create an Emergency Plan

An emergency plan is vital when you’re caring for elderly parents from a distance. Work with your parents to develop a plan that covers potential emergencies, such as medical issues, power outages, or natural disasters.

Your emergency plan should include:

A list of local contacts, including neighbors, friends, and family members who can check on your parents in an emergency.
Important medical information, such as a list of medications, allergies, and medical conditions, easily accessible.
A plan for transportation and temporary housing if your parents need to evacuate their home.

Ensure that your parents understand the plan and know how to reach you and other emergency contacts if needed.

Utilize Local Resources

Many communities offer resources and services designed to help seniors live independently. Look into local meal delivery services, transportation programs, and senior centers that can provide your parents with additional support.

In-home services, such as cleaning, grocery delivery, and home maintenance, can also alleviate some of the burdens on your parents and ensure their home remains a safe and comfortable environment.

3. Maintain Emotional Support and Connection

Even when you’re not physically present, providing emotional support to your elderly parents is crucial. Staying connected on an emotional level can help alleviate their feelings of loneliness and anxiety.

Regular Check-Ins

Schedule regular phone calls or video chats with your parents to check in on their well-being. These conversations can provide comfort and reassurance, letting your parents know that you’re thinking of them and are available to help if needed.

Send Letters and Care Packages

While digital communication is convenient, sending handwritten letters, cards, or care packages can have a profound emotional impact. These tangible items show that you’re thinking of your parents and can brighten their day, especially if they enjoy receiving mail.

Encourage Socialization

Encouraging your parents to stay socially active can help reduce feelings of isolation. Suggest that they join local clubs, attend senior center events, or participate in group activities they enjoy. If they’re open to it, helping them set up video chats with other family members and friends can also keep them connected to their social circle.

4. Plan Regular Visits

While technology and local support can help you care for your parents from a distance, nothing can replace in-person visits. Regular visits allow you to assess your parent’s situation firsthand and spend quality time together.

Plan Visits in Advance

Schedule visits to your parent’s home as frequently as possible, considering your work and family obligations. Planning these visits in advance allows you to coordinate with caregivers, healthcare providers, and other family members to make the most of your time together.

Use Visits to Address Concerns

During your visits, take the opportunity to address any concerns about your parent’s living situation, health, or care plan. Observe their home environment for safety hazards, ensure their medications are organized, and discuss any changes in their health or behavior with their caregivers.

Enjoy Quality Time Together

In addition to handling practical matters, make sure to enjoy quality time with your parents during your visits. Engage in activities they enjoy, such as going for walks, watching movies, or simply chatting. These moments of connection are invaluable and can strengthen your relationship.

Ensure Care For Your Elderly Parents from Afar

Caring for elderly parents from a distance is challenging, but with the right strategies and resources, you can ensure they receive the support they need. By leveraging technology, coordinating local care, maintaining emotional connections, and planning regular visits, you can provide effective care and peace of mind for both you and your parents.

At SeniorCare Companions, we’re here to assist you in navigating these challenges, offering compassionate care solutions that cater to your family’s unique needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

Seniors need attention and love during the holidays, just like everyone else. Unfortunately, some people forget to visit their loved ones during the busiest times of the year.

Finding ways to take care of seniors during the holidays is extremely important. Doing so involves helping them with their physical, mental, and emotional needs. Let’s look into the ways you can take care of seniors during the holiday season.

Hire a Service

Some seniors might not be able to help themselves with different tasks such as:

Mobility to go places
Remembering important details and schedules
Assistance with motor skills

Whatever you may need, we here at Senior Care Companions can help. We offer various services to help seniors each day. You can find assistants to help them 24/7, or just a few hours of the day.

While you should help seniors when you can, you may need professional help. After all, you can’t be at their sides 24/7, so see if you can find a reliable service to look after them.

Plan Fun Activities

Seniors can face boredom during the holidays, especially if they don’t have people to spend time with them. Coming up with fun activities you can do with one another is important to their mental and emotional wellbeing. Potential activities include:

Sit down and play board games together
Enjoy holiday activities like eating or watching movies
Go for a walk through the park

Focus your attention on letting them have fun. Doing so can help you take care of them emotionally and mentally. For example, they could feel happy after the activities or thankful you thought of them.

Seniors can potentially become lonely and depressed during the holidays, so take the time to plan fun activities for them. Doing so can help them overcome the mundane and boring moments in their lives.

Prepare Them Ahead of Time

Some seniors may like to stick with their schedules. If you know seniors like this, you should prepare them before any activities. Some seniors may have health problems, so make sure you accommodate them.

You can do this in multiple ways such as:

Ensure they have a way to safely reach the areas if they have to use wheelchairs
Give them specific food if they have dietary restrictions
Show them pictures of who they’ll see at the event if they suffer from memory loss

You don’t want to worry them, so make sure you take some time to talk and prepare. This can help them understand the plan and feel comfortable during the activity.

Visit Them Regularly

Often people forget to help seniors with their mental and emotional health during the holidays. If you want to help them during the holidays, just visiting them is an easy way to make their day.

Visiting seniors can help them out in many ways:

Allows them to talk with someone
Shows them others care about their well-being
Help them with tasks or anything else they need

When you visit a senior, you can help them feel happy. You can also help them avoid feelings of loneliness or boredom if they have to live away from home. Even if you have seniors in your life who live on their own, you should visit them during the holidays.

Seniors recognize the time you take to visit them, so they’ll appreciate your efforts.

Ask Them What They Want

Sometimes, people try to make decisions for seniors, so you should communicate when possible. If you communicate with them, you can avoid some problems.

Ensure they do something they like and avoid boredom
Meet their personal needs and keep them safe
Learn more about them and their interests

These points can help you find an activity that will make the seniors happy. You don’t want to drag them to an activity they don’t like, so you need to communicate with them. That way, you can find something you’ll both enjoy.

Some people forget to remember each senior as a person. Make sure you show these seniors you care by asking them what they want. As you do so, you can form stronger relationships with them.

Final Comments

The holidays give you a great opportunity to show your love to the seniors in your life. Whether you want to help relatives in your family or the local seniors, you can make the holidays better for them.

If you want to help these seniors out, try out the ideas above. If you need assistance in taking care of the seniors in your life, reach out to Senior Care Companions.

Have any Questions? Just give us a call, we would love to help in any way.

“Quality Care You Can Trust – Since 2004”