Around 75 percent of unpaid caregivers live within 20 minutes of the person they help. Around 13 percent live within 20 to 60 minutes away. You fall well out of those averages. You live on the other side of the nation. Is it even possible to provide any of the care your dad needs when you live hours away by plane and days by car? Yes, it is. Here's how you can help.
Help Construct a Care Plan and Emergency Plans
Work with someone who visits your dad regularly to come up with a plan for the care he needs. Make sure the house is equipped for his changing abilities. If it's not, find out what's needed and what it will cost.
Account for emergencies, too. If his usual caregiver is sick and can't come, who is second in line? Create a list of emergency contacts and daily/weekly/monthly care plans that you can share with others involved in your dad's care.
Handle the Research
You'll be able to help your family with research. You can check out home care agencies and find out how to arrange caregiver visits. Check your dad's prescriptions and learn about the side effects and warnings. Research new doctors or specialists if they're needed. You'll be able to find support groups, contractors, and other services that might benefit your dad.
Manage the Finances
You may live hours away, but you could help with your dad's finances. You'd need him to name you as his financial power of attorney. Once that paperwork is completed and notarized, you'd be able to add your name to his accounts.
This gives you the power to make sure his bills are paid, negotiate better rates, and help him manage his finances. While you take care of that, your siblings and other relatives who live nearby can focus on the rest of the care he needs.
Keep in Touch Via Video Chats
Regular video chats give you the chance to view your dad and some of the room he's sitting in. You'll be able to monitor things like weight gain or loss. You can check for bruises, clutter, or signs of poor health while you talk to him.
Arrange Caregivers
Ease your worries by arranging elder care services. You don't have to have caregivers there every day, but even once a week checks help. You'll get reports that your dad is fine, which eases your stress. If anything is off, the caregiver can schedule his medical appointment and drive him there. Call an elder care agency to make arrangements.
Sources:
https://www.caregiver.org/caregiver-statistics-demographics
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING ELDER CARE IN GOLD COAST, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.
Help Construct a Care Plan and Emergency Plans
Work with someone who visits your dad regularly to come up with a plan for the care he needs. Make sure the house is equipped for his changing abilities. If it's not, find out what's needed and what it will cost.
Account for emergencies, too. If his usual caregiver is sick and can't come, who is second in line? Create a list of emergency contacts and daily/weekly/monthly care plans that you can share with others involved in your dad's care.
Handle the Research
You'll be able to help your family with research. You can check out home care agencies and find out how to arrange caregiver visits. Check your dad's prescriptions and learn about the side effects and warnings. Research new doctors or specialists if they're needed. You'll be able to find support groups, contractors, and other services that might benefit your dad.
Manage the Finances
You may live hours away, but you could help with your dad's finances. You'd need him to name you as his financial power of attorney. Once that paperwork is completed and notarized, you'd be able to add your name to his accounts.
This gives you the power to make sure his bills are paid, negotiate better rates, and help him manage his finances. While you take care of that, your siblings and other relatives who live nearby can focus on the rest of the care he needs.
Keep in Touch Via Video Chats
Regular video chats give you the chance to view your dad and some of the room he's sitting in. You'll be able to monitor things like weight gain or loss. You can check for bruises, clutter, or signs of poor health while you talk to him.
Arrange Caregivers
Ease your worries by arranging elder care services. You don't have to have caregivers there every day, but even once a week checks help. You'll get reports that your dad is fine, which eases your stress. If anything is off, the caregiver can schedule his medical appointment and drive him there. Call an elder care agency to make arrangements.
Sources:
https://www.caregiver.org/caregiver-statistics-demographics
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING ELDER CARE IN GOLD COAST, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.