Let’s face it. Taking care of your aging parents from a different city or state can be a herculean task. This is because it involves a lot of traveling back and forth as you try to handle the day-to-day needs of your elderly loved ones. However much you love your parents, the logistics involved if you are living far away from your elderly parents can make it unfeasible for you to attend to your own needs as well.
Difficulties of Caring for a Parent From Far Away
The challenges of long-distance caregiving vary depending on the health and age of your elderly loved one, but the most common difficulties include the following:
1. Deciding on a Primary Caregiver
Deciding on a primary caregiver can be challenging if your siblings are unwilling to offer assistance. You might have to work out the details on your own or decide to enlist a third party to help.
2. Handling Financial Strain
Taking care of your parents’ expenses can take its toll on your finances if you fail to plan. It’s advisable to make a budget with your loved ones to avoid running out of resources.
3. Balancing Between Family and Career Needs
Managing family and career needs isn’t always easy. You might have to make significant adjustments to your work schedule to accommodate your caregiving responsibilities.
Tips for Caring for Elderly Loved Ones
The challenges of taking care of your parents are numerous, especially when you’re far from home. However, this doesn’t mean it’s impossible to overcome them. The following long-distance caregiving tips will help you take care of your aging parents without burning out:
1. Gather as Much Information as Possible
Gather as much information as possible about your parents. You should also know their health status and keep relevant health records in a safe and secure place in case you need to refer to them later.
2. Plan Your Visits
Plan your visits ahead of time to enable you to set realistic goals for your visit. Discuss with your parent in advance about what they need and what they’d like to do during your visit.
3. Spend Valuable Time With Your Loved Ones
Give your aging parent undivided attention during your visit to make them feel loved. You can participate in their favorite hobbies or cook their favorite meals. You might also invite a close family friend or other family members to make the visit more memorable.
4. Keep in Touch
Remember to stay in touch by calling regularly.
How to Know If You Need Extra Help
Caring for aging parents from a distance may lead to caregiver burnout. When this happens, extra help is certainly needed. You may also need extra help if:
- Your loved one requires help moving around
- Your parent seems depressed
- The health of your loved one is deteriorating
- They cannot do the laundry or clean the house on their own
- They become forgetful
Contact CareGivers of America
If you need extra help taking care of your aging loved ones, contact Active Senior Care. Our caregivers offer professional in-home care services throughout Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Our main areas of operation include Miami, North Miami, Aventura, Miami Beach, Bal Harbour, Sunny Isles Beach, Coral Gables, Key Biscayne and Cutler Bay among many other places. Call us for a free home visit today.
