You've always dreamed of getting this promotion, yet you now have a few doubts since it involves having to move far away from your senior loved one. Although you will miss your loved one, it is reassuring to know that long distance caregiving is possible when you know how to plan for your parent's needs. As you put together your moving plans, add these strategies to your list that will help you move forward without feeling as though you are leaving your parent behind:
Update Your Parent's Technology
Staying connected is important, and technology has provided many new ways for families to keep in touch with their senior loved ones. Sit down with your parent, and make sure that they know how to use their smartphone and laptop to connect on social media. You can also add things such as security cameras and alarm systems to your parent's home that allow you to check in on their safety from miles away.
Help Them Plan for Socialization
Now that you will not be able to stop by as often, you will want to make sure that your loved one does not become isolated. Companionship is an important part of senior care services, and just having someone stop by to prepare a meal and eat together helps your loved one have something to look forward to each week. You can also arrange for them to have transportation to senior events in your community so that they can meet other older adults in their neighborhood that share similar interests.
Delegate Care Responsibilities
Over the past few months, you have gradually taken on more responsibilities for your loved ones care, and it is possible that you don't even realize how much you do. Sit down, and write out a list of all of the things that you help your parent manage. From keeping up with the house cleaning to checking their medication, you will now need to appoint someone else to help with these tasks. In home senior care is an option that allows you to know for sure that someone stops by to make sure that your parent took their medication, and setting these arrangements in place gives you peace of mind when you are too far away to check yourself.
While the upcoming move represents a big change for everyone, you know that you are doing the best thing you can do for your family. By taking the time to plan for your loved one's care before you go, you can feel comfortable encouraging them to continue to age in place at home.
Contact a senior care services facility for more information and assistance.
