Caregiving Tips for Out-of-State Family Members

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Essential Tips for Long-Distance Caregivers in Tucson, AZ

Finding out an aging loved one needs in-home care when you live in another state can be difficult to manage. As much as you may debate over whether or not you should drop everything to move in with your parent, you likely have other commitments, such as family and work, that take up your time. There are other options when it comes to providing reliable and trusted in-home senior care for your loved one. Here are some tips that can help you stay involved in your loved one’s care and life even if you live out of state. 

Make a Commitment

Make a promise and a commitment to yourself right now that you’ll remain involved in the process. This might mean you promise to: 

  • Make a call every week to talk with your parent’s caregiver
  •   Write letters and emails to your loved one or call to check in every day or every few days
  •   Schedule frequent trips to visit your loved one, especially during holidays, when loneliness is exacerbated

Just taking the time to stay involved in your parent’s life in small ways can make a big difference in his or her outlook on life and overall wellbeing. 

Seniors who need help with everyday tasks can benefit from professional in-home care. Elderly home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.

Find New Ways to Keep in Touch

The key to remaining in your loved one’s life and care process is taking a few minutes a day to stay connected. A phone isn’t the only way to maintain a long-distance relationship. Spending some time helping your loved one create social media accounts or an email address could strengthen your relationship. If your loved one has access to that type of technology, he or she might not be as hesitant to contact you when feeling lonely or needing help. 

Create a Comprehensive Contact List

Create a list of everyone your loved one stays in touch with. Long-distance caregivers should keep up-to-date contact lists of their loved ones’ doctors, medical specialists, neighbors, friends, and faith leaders. Reach out to these individuals whenever you need assistance. 

Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of respite care Tucson seniors can depend on.

Select the Right Caregiver

There may come a time when you can no longer provide adequate care from a distance and need to hire a professional caregiver. There are a variety of reasons long-distance family caregivers should consider home care. Families often have additional responsibilities that make it more challenging to provide the care their senior loved ones need and deserve. A trained in-home caregiver can give you peace of mind and help with many tasks, such as making meals, providing medication reminders, running errands, and light housekeeping. 

Even if you live hours away, you can still choose a home caregiver. A good caregiver is someone who makes your loved one feel safe, supported, and comfortable while supporting his or her independence, dignity, and quality of life. It’s also important to make sure the caregiver you choose for your loved one is licensed, bonded, and insured and has passed multiple background checks.

Though you may be researching multiple agencies that provide in-home care, Tucson, Arizona, Home Care Assistance has much to offer your family and your elderly loved one. We are leaders in the senior home care industry, offering proprietary programs like our holistic Balanced Care Method and around-the-clock assistance from reliable, experienced caregivers. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your loved one enjoy a happier and healthier life in the golden years. If you need professional at-home care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (520) 276-6555.

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