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Effective Long-distance Caregiving with 24-hour Home Care

Caring for a beloved family member from far away involves some unique challenges, especially when those family members need some more help. With thoughtful planning and the right help, seniors can get the assistance they need, even around the clock. 24-hour home care can offer valuable assistance for seniors and family caregivers who are trying to be as effective as possible from far away.

Coordinating 24-hour Home Care from Afar

Managing home care services from far away means that family caregivers need to start with a plan. Elder care providers help family caregivers to first understand their seniors’ needs, including daily living requirements and other care needs. Communicating regularly with caregivers and aging adults is essential and 24-hour home care providers help everyone involved to stay on the same page. With the right plan in place, elder care providers can take care of what seniors need without a lot of extra fuss and bother for family caregivers.

Using Technology to Help

Technology can play a helpful role, too. Video conferencing, medical alert systems, wearables, and more can all offer information that family caregivers can use to help make decisions about their seniors’ care. These tools are easier for seniors to use when they have help at hand, and 24-hour home care providers remove a lot of the frustration that seniors might get when they try to use some types of technology.

Building a Local Support Network

Families absolutely must build a local support network for their seniors. Even if they’re not able to be there in person, family caregivers can gain a great deal of peace of mind from talking with people who can be there. If local family and friends are able, setting up times to visit can be a great way to help seniors get the socialization they need. Other community resources like support groups and volunteer organizations can work with 24-hour home care providers to coordinate visits and support.

Coordinating Care with Regular Updates

Establishing regular times for updates is one way that family caregivers can make sure they’re getting the information they need. Shared calendars, task management apps, and scheduled calls are just a few of the options that can help. It’s really important for family caregivers to remember, though, that they need to spend time just chatting with their seniors, too. Having time to catch up without worrying about specific issues or problems is important for both aging adults and the family caregivers who love them.

Long-distance caregiving can feel so complicated because everything is happening so far away. When family caregivers know that their aging adults can rely on 24-hour home care services to offer the help they need, it’s a lot easier to focus on the decisions that still need to be made. 24-hour home care providers can offer not only the hands-on assistance with daily tasks that seniors need, but they can also help make it easier for family caregivers to feel informed and to know what’s happening with their family members.

If you or an aging loved one is considering 24-hour home care in Alamo, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

How Do You Choose Who Should Care for Your Mom and Dad?

Senior Care in Walnut Creek CA
Senior Care in Walnut Creek CA

Your dad had a stroke and needs help morning to night. Your mom has Alzheimer’s and cannot be left alone, or she wanders off. When your family is facing those situations, how do you choose a person to provide that care? Here are some things to consider, and how senior care can help.

Have a Family Discussion

Talk to everyone in the immediate family who should have a say. If your brother is estranged and hasn’t talked to your mom and dad in years, you’re not obligated to include him unless they really want to. Your aunts and uncles may matter, but you should follow your parents’ guidance on who to involve.

Have a family meeting online or during a family picnic or gathering. Talk about the health issues your parents face, their changing circumstances, and the activities of daily living that they struggle to do independently. See if anyone has the time to help out.

Your aunt may be happy to pick up your mom on shopping day and help her shop for groceries. Your sister may want to be the person to drive your parents to and from their medical appointments. When someone offers to help, make a note of it. Plan a schedule and see where there are any open spaces.

It’s those slots that you need to fill with the help of others. Suppose no other family members have the time to help out; it’s okay. Don’t push others into something they cannot manage.

Instead, turn to senior care services. It’s not worth taking on more than you can handle or letting your parents struggle alone.

Make Sure Your Parents Have Their Say

During the family discussion, let your parents give their input. They may be nervous or uncomfortable having others help. If your mom needs help showering, she may not want your uncle helping out. Respect her need for privacy.

Your dad doesn’t want his granddaughter helping him shave each morning. Again, you have to work with him. If he’s more comfortable having your brother help out, try to make sure that happens. Often, the best choice is to have an experienced senior care provider help with these tasks so that an awkward situation can be avoided.

Senior Care Services Are An Excellent Option

What if no one can dedicate the time needed to help out? If you find there are gaps in the care plan, look into senior care services. If everyone is at work during the hours your parents need help getting to doctor’s appointments, professional caregivers are happy to help.

Talk to a senior care expert about the services they offer. You’ll work with the specialist to create a care plan that matches your parents’ needs and budget.

If you or an aging loved one is considering senior care in Walnut Creek, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.