Long Distance Caregiving for Louisville Seniors
Caregiving is often a long-term task. It might start out as an occasional phone call to share family news, but can eventually turn into regular phone calls about managing health insurance claims, getting medical information, and arranging respite services.
If you are a long-distance caregiver, you are not alone. Approximately 7 million adults are long-distance caregivers, mostly caring for aging parents who live an hour or more away. Anyone, anywhere can be a long-distance caregiver. Gender, income, age, social status, employment—none of these prevent you from taking on caregiving responsibilities.
Is Extra Help Needed?
In some cases, the sudden start of a severe illness will make it clear that help is needed. In other cases, your relative may ask for help. When you live far away, you have to think carefully about possible signs when help is needed. You might want to use holiday trips home to take stock.
Some questions to answer during your visit include:
- Are the stairs manageable or is a ramp needed?
- Are there any tripping hazards at exterior entrances or inside the house (throw rugs, for instance)?
- If a walker or wheelchair is needed, can the house be modified?
- Is there food in the fridge? Are there staples in the cupboards?
- Are bills being paid? Is mail piling up?
- Is the house clean?
- If your parents are still driving, can you assess their driving skills?
- How is their health? Are they taking several medications? If so, are they able to manage their medications?
- What about mood: Does either parent seem depressed or anxious?