Your parents are two of the most important people to you because they have raised you and cared for you your whole life. Now as they are aging, it’s your chance to return the favor. When your parents are in need of living assistance, you may feel overwhelmed with the responsibility of procuring the help they need when you live far away. Trying to balance your own busy lifestyle with that of a parent in need may feel like too much to handle. The process doesn’t have to be as difficult as it seems. Here are a few tips on how you can help care for aging parents from a distance.
Prepare in Advance
The best thing that you can do is to prepare everything well in advance. Typically, you will have time to get important documents and caregiving options in advance. Aging is a process, so don’t wait until help is absolutely necessary. Legal matters like a will and Power of Attorney need to be arranged well in advance. Health records and prescriptions also need to be obtained and kept in a safe place. Get together with other family members to discuss what kind of care will work best for your parents. Organize a list of potential care options based on what your parents will need and how much the family can afford. Once these major decisions are made all you will have to do is wait to put everything into motion once the time arrives.
Do Your Research
Unfortunately, scams abound, and there are many under-qualified businesses that try to run senior care agencies. It’s your job to do thorough research on the agency you will choose to assist your parents. The agency should be bonded and insured. Look into BBB ratings, testimonials, and reviews on how reputable the company is before securing funds and services. Ensure that the employees are screened with criminal background checks and the proper credentials. If you don’t know where to start, seek help from senior agencies local to your parents. Don’t let your loved ones fall into the wrong hands simply because you didn’t do enough research.
Be Proactive
Just because you’re not physically present to care for your parents, doesn’t mean you can’t keep track of what’s going on. Keep in constant contact with your parents to ensure their well-being. Ask the hired caregiver to keep a care notebook that you can view at any time. This notebook should include details such as medication administration and health status. Maintain communication among other family members to keep a healthy balance in the involvement of the care of your parents. The last thing you need is to become stressed out from carrying the load all alone.
Are you looking to provide long-distance care to your loved ones in the near future? If your parents are located in the Palos Verdes Peninsula area, contact A Peaceful Way Home Care for more information on how to set up long distance care for the people who matter the most.
Call (310) 377-3776 to schedule a free in-home assessment or learn more about us here.