As a caregiver, you probably feel like your number one priority is taking care of your loved one. However, sometimes you may be in a position where you live far away from each other. This can cause stress and worry about your loved one’s well-being, and whether or not they need help. Luckily, there are many ways that you can keep in touch with your loved one and monitor their health and happiness.
Reach out through the phone; or better yet, Skype. Giving your loved one a friendly call each day is suggested to check up on how they are feeling both physically and mentally. Have your loved one tell you what they did that day; this will help you keep track of their day-to-day activities. This is also beneficial for memory care individuals, as reiterating what they do on a daily basis will help boost memory. Using Skype is a great way to keep in touch with your loved one because it gives you virtual face-to-face interaction, which is a more intimate experience than speaking over the phone.
Technology is advancing; utilize it. Technology is improving faster than ever, and it’s making caregivers’ lives much easier. We have all seen the LifeAlert commercial marketed toward the elderly that are at a risk for falls and their caregivers. There are many different medical alert devices on the market that notify when falls happen, or even when medication is missed. Different carriers have varying services and prices, so shop around and find the device that is most suitable for your loved one.
Smart Home Sensors: Monitoring systems can be installed within your loved one’s home that reassure long-distance caregivers a loved one is comfortable, happy, healthy and secure. Wireless sensors can monitor and send alerts about a home’s environment and track activity patterns so a caregiver knows if something is wrong, whether it be an unusual sleep pattern or a house that’s too warm during a summer heat wave. Webcams can also be useful for monitoring the home environment as long as privacy issues are considered.
Home Telehealth: Readily available wireless telehealth devices allow remote and customized monitoring of chronic health problems using a Bluetooth-enabled blood pressure cuff, heart rate monitor, weight scale, glucometer, or pulse oximeter. When not controlled, chronic health conditions can lead to emergency room visits, hospitalization or worse. The remote caregiver or medical professional can be alerted by email, text, or phone to deliver timely support when the measurements vary from doctor-established parameters.
Keep in mind that technology has its faults. Keep hard copies of important information, such as financial and legal documents. Keep contact information for pharmacies, physicans and other care providers written down, even if their information is saved on a computer. Ask local family members or neighbors to check up on your loved one and make sure all is well for them at home. Someone who sees your loved one on a regular basis might notice changes in behavior or living habits that you might not notice if you cannot see them frequently. This also provides your loved one with face-to-face interaction, which is always beneficial.
Try Adult Day Health Care. If you are concerned about your loved one being alone during the day, consider an Adult Day Health Care program. Services provided will vary on the company. At Oxnard Family Circle ADHC we provide two meals a day, transportation, distribution of medication, many therapeutic services, and various activities. Adult Day Health Care gives your loved one a unique experience that encourages socialization, as well as therapy and exercise that they would not be able to recieve at home.
Reasess Care Needs During Your Visits. Inspect your loved one’s house for signs of cognitive deterioration (such as leaving the stove or lights on) or health hazards (look for wires to electronics on the floor that may cause a fall, or take a look at the shower to see if a grab bar needs to be installed). Take note of whether or not medications are being taken properly. Also, be sure to ask your loved one how they feel. Make sure your loved one is not feeling lonely or depressed, and if so consider signing them up for an adult day care or finding a senior companion service.
You can also use your time in town to make appointments with your loved one’s physician, lawyer or financial advisor if necessary. Meet with friends, neighbors, and nearby relatives to hear their observations on how your loved one is doing.
Most importantly, cherish the time you have with your loved one. Visits don’t have to be, and should not be all business. Take some time to catch up with your loved one and share a good conversation or a few jokes. Take walks together or go to the park. Participate in fun activities together; games, doing arts and crafts, reading, listening to music, or looking at old pictures. Remind your loved one that they are important and how happy you are to be able to share these moments with them.
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