Caring for your loved one from a distance can be a very difficult task. We at Freedom Home Care, your Highland Park homecare agency, know this year has not been without its challenges. Let us help you and your family by providing simple long distance caregiving tips on how to care for your loved one from afar. Read more below.
Tip # 1: Stay Organized
An important part of long distance caregiving is keeping all paperwork for your loved one up to date and in order. This can be even more challenging from afar, but it is possibly the most important. Often, long-distance caregivers will need access to a parent or relative’s personal, health, financial, and legal records. Getting all the material organized before you travel is key, and will also help your loved one with a smooth transition.
Tip #2 Know Your Responsibilities
It is important to know as much as you can about your family members’ illness, medicines, and resources that might be available in order to understand what they may need. The more information you obtain, the more it can help you understand how to prevent a crisis, anticipate an illness and assist in healthcare management. There are many training programs available and our Freedom Home Care staff is more than happy to speak with you about any questions you may have about your loved one.
Tip # 3 Plan Your Visit
Traveling during this time can be very difficult. There also may be many travel restrictions currently making your visit a challenge. Planning your trip a head of time will allow you to stay organized and remain calm during hectic situations. When visiting your loved one, don’t get overwhelmed by all you need to accomplish. Set small goals for yourself and don’t try to tackle too much. You can get far more done and feel less stressed by talking to your family member or friend ahead of time and finding out what he or she would like to do to help.
Tip #4 Stay in Touch
It may be simple to lose touch with your loved one when living from afar. Staying in touch, especially during this time where your loved one may be often alone is key. Be sure to schedule conference calls with doctors or nursing staff members so several relatives can participate in one conversation and get up-to-date information about your family member’s health and progress. Freedom Home Care is more than happy to help by providing you with any information you need from our warm and trustworthy caregivers.
We here at Freedom Home Care, your homecare agency, know how hard it is to care for your loved one from afar. Taking care of elderly can be a challenge, but we hope by following our long distance caregiving tips, it will make your time with your loved one much easier. For more questions, please reach out to us at (847) 433-5788. We are here for you and your loved ones and look forward to speaking to you about homecare.
