Distance does not have to equal sacrificing the quality of care you provide to your older family members. With endless Australian adults providing care to an older family member, many are in the position of having to do so from a distance due to work, family obligations, or simple geography. Although face-to-face contact is certainly optimal, there are practical steps to take to make sure you provide your loved ones with the care and attention that they require in spite of the physical distance.
Understanding What Your Loved Ones Need
Before you make any plan of care, take a few moments to evaluate your older family member’s individual needs. Some will need no help or only minimal help with activities of daily living, while others will need more. Some of the most prevalent areas that older adults need help with are taking medications, keeping up with home maintenance, transportation to doctor appointments, and socialisation.
Begin by addressing their comfort level and concerns openly and honestly with the loved one. The majority of elderly persons are independent and may be resistant to accepting help. Understanding their point of view, you are able to frame your efforts in the best manner possible while upholding their independence while also ensuring their safety and best interests.
Consider having a home safety assessment done when you are visiting or when someone can come and make an evaluation. It is useful to identify the possible dangers like throw rugs, poor lighting, or bathroom safety equipment that can lead to falling or injury.
Closing the Gap with Technology
There are numerous solutions to long-distance care in modern technology. Video call software allows you to see each other face-to-face every day, which assists in monitoring your loved one’s mood and appearance. Regular calls can be reassuring for most elderly individuals, providing routine and something to anticipate.
Medical alert systems and emergency systems provide an important safety net when you’re not around. These systems will automatically call for family members or emergency services for your loved one in the event of a fall or medical emergency. GPS tracking is even available on some systems, which can be particularly beneficial for a person with cognitive impairment or dementia. These days, you’ll find reliable styles in med bracelets to suit everyone.
Smart home technology also provides convenience and security. Alarmed reminders for medication remind you to take medication at the correct time, and video-enabled smart doorbells enable you to see who is at the door. Smart motion sensors that set an alarm to alert if daily routines aren’t adhered to are programmed by some families.
Sustaining Emotional Connections
Emotional support is equally important as physical care. Loneliness and isolation have a major impact on the general health and mental health of older people. Being in close contact works against these and helps you keep track of what is going on in their day-to-day life.
It’s not just phone calls, either. Consider sending care packages, photos, or letters. Something tangible to show love and interest can brighten someone’s day and provide comfort between visits. A few families even create collaborative albums or digital scrapbooks that are accessible to older family members at any time they might feel isolated.
Encourage the person you are providing care for to continue to socialise with others. This can be achieved by helping them find senior centres, religious organisations, or special interest groups in the area where they live. Many communities have likely senior transportation services, and these assist them in their social activities.
Building a Support System
Do not attempt to do it all by yourself. Build a local support group of friends and reliable individuals to visit regularly and be with elderly relatives. They may be neighbours, relatives, or professional carers who visit on a daily or weekly basis.
Home care agencies offer the spectrum of care, from light housekeeping and meal preparation and personal care. Scheduling is usually flexible, so you can schedule services to your loved one’s needs and preferences.
Bringing Peace of Mind to All
Distance caregiving for aging loved ones requires planning, patience, and ingenuity. With technology, local services, and open communication, you can provide good care while giving them the independence they deserve. Remember that quality care is not necessarily physical presence, but being able to show daily love, care, and attention to their needs.