Aging Away from Family
In generations past, families tended to stick together, with family members living in close proximity to one another. As people grew older, it was likely that at least one member of the younger generation was on hand to lend a hand when necessary. Today, though, children fly the nest for college and careers, and life tends to take people far from home. As long as their parents are independent and healthy, this doesn’t pose a problem. Complications arise, though, when the older generation begins to need more help and their grown children are entrenched in their careers and families, making it impossible for them to move nearer to their parents. If you are in this situation, you can help your parents find a place in an assisted living community or hire home care, but how can you maintain your connection with your folks?
Use Technology to Your Advantage
You are probably already using tools like video chat to stay connected with your aging parents, but new technologies are continually emerging to help not only with staying in touch, but also with staying on top of health and wellness. Apps like Google Plus and Telegram let you connect many different family members so that it’s easier to be aware of any changes in your loved one’s routines. There are also apps to keep a person’s medical records in one spot, along with contact information for doctors. Cameras and motion sensors can help let you know if your parent is moving around the house normally, and technology like wireless blood-pressure cuffs and electronic pillboxes can help you stay on top of your parent’s health.
Make the Most of Your Time Together
Of course, time spent with your parents is more valuable than all the gadgets you can employ to keep them safe. Whenever you visit, see how you can help. Is there work that needs to be done around the house? Are there any modifications that should be made? Do your parents need help with financial matters? Spend some time in every visit addressing these things with which they need help. More than that, though, spend quality time with your parents. Remember that time is precious, and plan some outings or favorite activities that will create happy memories. Caring for your older loved ones is more than just seeing to their physical needs; time spent having fun together will help make them feel less lonely and isolated.
Enlist a Local for Wellness Checks
Who lives nearby and can keep an eye on your parents? Maybe it’s a family member, or perhaps a friend or neighbor. Get someone’s contact information and enlist that person’s help in checking in on your parents. It may be helpful to have a list of people you can call, but even just one trusted person can make a big difference.
Act Before A Crisis
Talk to your parents about their needs before they encounter any serious problems. Have a plan in place for their finances, their medical care, and even their pets, in case something happens. Work together to create a care plan, and get any necessary legal documents handled, like power of attorney or a living will. You and your parents can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that the important things will be managed if anything should happen.
Know When to Ask for Help
While you want to give your parents the very best care you personally can, sometimes, it helps to have someone in the house to help provide the kind of support that can’t be given long-distance. Having the right help at home, from someone who recognizes the significance of self-care, can make a big difference in helping an older person lead a more satisfying, healthier, and more independent life. At
BrightStar Care of Delray Beach, Florida, we work hard to deliver the right care for older people and to be a partner their loved ones can turn to for support. Because we believe that caring is more than just a job, our team of nurses, therapists, CNAs, and caregivers offer the most professional compassionate care available. In the comforting, familiar surroundings of home, we offer a full range of care services to meet your loved one’s needs and help you when you need it most. Visit our website to
contact us or
apply now, or call 561-921-0550 to learn more about joining the BrightStar Care family.
