How to Care for Your Aging Parents When You Can’t Be There

As parents age, developing a long-term care plan to improve their overall well-being becomes increasingly important. Several factors determine how far you can go, including your financial capabilities, a new diagnosis, and the parent’s quality of life. Below, we explore some ways you can offer support and care to aging parents even when you are not close to them.

Consider Senior Living Options

Investing in a senior living community such as Riverview Retirement Community enables your parents to access person-to-person stimulation alongside extra care and health services they need as they age. Parents also get to engage in fascinating programs and activities as well as obtain proper security and nutritious dining options. 

The good thing is that senior living options are not limited to those who can’t care for themselves. There are many options, including assisted living, independent living, memory care, long-term care, and care suites.

Set Up Communication and Tech Support

It is best to lay the groundwork by establishing a good communication plan while your parents are still independent and before an emergency occurs. Knowing that you can easily check on your loved ones who live alone will give you peace of mind.

As your aging parents develop comfort with technology, reaching them not only for communication but also for managing health appointments, finances, and more becomes easier. The ability to navigate apps and devices can offer them cognitive stimulation via online books, entertainment, and games, cutting down on loneliness.

Double Safety

If you realize that your loved one has a cognitive or physical issue posing safety risks, it will be best to establish a medical alert system. This may include finding them a wearable device, like a medical bracelet or necklace, that detects and alerts emergency responders when they fall or are under attack. You can even track when they miss taking medications through smart pill dispensers.

Before choosing a medical alert system, confirm if it has been around for a while and go for waterproof ones, as most falls occur in showers. Also, ensure that you can cancel the contract anytime. By taking these precautions, along with the support of a reliable House Call Doctor in Sacramento, you can ensure a comprehensive and proactive approach to your loved one’s healthcare and safety.

Organize In-Home Care

Once aging parents find it hard to do two or more activities of daily living, like dressing, bathing, and grocery shopping, you should consider getting an in-home caregiver. You can access in-home care services through referrals from friends and doctors as well as local area agencies on aging.

Some in-home care agencies have invested in a smart tech element with an app that allows caregivers to share daily notes with family members and notify them when they get home and leave. Once you have established a caregiver, you can leverage apps and websites like CareTree to coordinate care, communicate effectively, and share calendars.

Facilitate Socialization

Even though you frequently talk to your loved ones, it is best to ensure they talk and socially interact with others. Living in isolation and loneliness can take a toll on your parent’s physical and mental health.

Hire a companion or find someone to help them attend religious, social, and recreational events and activities. Ensure you facilitate transportation to those meetings or other events. The bottom line is to keep your loved ones active and engaged.

You can significantly impact your parent’s quality of life even if you live far away. This is the perfect time to start making the necessary arrangements for your loved ones by adhering to the solutions above. Just ensure you operate within your means and budget.