At some point, you may end up being a caregiver for one of your senior loved ones. Whether your parent or your grandparent needs your assistance, you might be wondering if you can fulfill this role without moving them into your home or relocating to be closer to them. Today, it is easy to be a long-distance caregiver for a loved one who is still able to maintain a certain degree of independence but may have limited mobility or need someone to keep them on track with their medication schedule and regular doctor’s appointments.
Of course, some seniors with conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s will need daily, in-home care, but for seniors with conditions like Parkinson’s, support from a long-distance caregiver can be extremely helpful. If you are about to take on long-distance caregiving responsibilities, here are a few tips to help you fulfill your loved one’s needs while living in another city or state.
Navigating Medicare
If you are becoming a long-distance caregiver for your senior loved one, it’s crucial for you to understand the Medicare system. You and your loved one should be aware that Medicare has an Annual Election Period from October 15 through December 7. If your loved one needs to make changes to their Medicare plan, this is the only time of year that they can do it, so make sure that you are prepared with all of the necessary paperwork before by mid-October. This checklist should include their Medicare card, their previous medical bills, and other documents.
Both you and your loved one should also discuss options for long-term care in an assisted living facility if it becomes necessary. Since Medicare does not cover extended stays in assisted living facilities, you should familiarize yourself with Medicaid and what kind of coverage your loved one would be eligible for.
Are you concerned that your loved one will not be able to advocate for their own healthcare needs in the future? Talk to them about naming a trusted relative as power of attorney.
Schedule Regular Check-Ins
Even if you have to travel to see your loved one, it’s important to visit them on a regular basis so that you can see how they’re doing. Yes, you can call them or video chat with them a few times each week to get an idea of how things are going, but when you spend time with them in person, you’ll be able to get a read on how they’re really feeling. If you can’t see them as often as you would like, ask another family member to check in on them sometimes.
Assist With Home Modifications
Although your loved one may be perfectly capable of managing most of their own daily tasks, they may not be able to move around their home as easily as they did in the past. For example, a senior who recently had a hip replacement might be unable to walk up the stairs, while someone with Parkinson’s may feel more comfortable bathing with a shower chair.
If you think that your loved one would benefit from certain home modifications, recommend a reputable contractor. This will give you peace of mind when you’re not physically around to help them.
Medical Alert System
A medical alert system is a must for any long-distance caregiver and their loved one. It will notify you if your loved one needs immediate medical attention.
According to PCMag, seniors can choose from several varieties of medical alert systems, including wearable devices like bracelets or necklaces, fitness trackers, cellular alert systems, and more. Choose one that works for your loved one’s lifestyle.
Digital Pill Dispenser
Many seniors take some kind of medication to manage a chronic medical condition. Whether your loved one takes medication for Parkinson’s or high cholesterol, you should make it a point to ensure that they are taking their pills on time.
You may want to set up a digital pill dispenser for your loved one. A digital pill dispenser will notify you when your loved one takes their medication, so you can get in touch with them if they forget. According to GlobalRPh, seniors who use these dispensers are more likely to take their medications as prescribed. If they frequently forget to take their medication, you can ask their doctor for help to remedy the situation.
Hire a House Call Service
Yes, you’ll want to stop by and visit your loved one when you have the chance. But what if they need medical attention, and you’re not there to assist them? Or what if they have a doctor’s appointment scheduled, but they’re not able to drive safely?
Hiring a house call service can fill in the gaps when you’re not around. On house calls, doctors can provide many beneficial services, and your loved one can receive care in the comfort of their own home.
Whether you are moving in with a loved one to help them or handling these responsibilities from afar, becoming a caregiver can be challenging. Thankfully, the technology we have today makes it possible to look out for your senior loved one’s best interests, even when you can’t see them every day.
Claire Wentz is a contributor to Caring from Afar. For more information, visit caringfromafar.com.