Caring for Aging Parents from Afar

For those who are caring for aging parents, being away for extended periods of time can be very taxing and filled with anxiety. But if you follow through with the 5-point plan mentioned here, much of the anxiety can removed. Your parents too will be more relaxed knowing that they are being taken care of and that there are professional people checking into their every need. Finally, while it is true that technology is a great tool, don’t forget the most important one of them all - the telephone. Plan not to miss calling them every single day and whenever possible, make that trip. Your parents will be more than happy to see you and your elder care solution will be hitch-free. Of those who are caring for aging parents, not all of us have the good fortune of living within a few blocks of our parents. Most of us either live half a town across or maybe in a different state altogether. This makes caring for aging parents and providing for elder care solution quite challenging. If we keep a few points in mind, being away would not really affect the quality of elder care solution: 1. Opt for home based quality of elder care solution: If you are caring for aging parents and are not in a position to physically check in on them, you might want to consider home based quality elder care solution. Professional wellness nurses will visit your parents as many times as required checking in on them. They will make sure your parents are in good health and report back to you. 2. Keep vital information handy: If you are caring for aging parents, it might be a good idea to keep vital information handy in your digital diary, PDA or mobile phone. This information could include the doctor’s phone numbers, phone numbers of people who live near your parents home, phone number of the case manager or social worker or company that is providing quality elder care solution to your parents and so on. 3. Keep case history at hand: If you are caring for aging parents, it might be a good idea to keep your parent’s medical history papers handy. This is especially useful if your parents are admitted to a hospital and you need to talk to the doctors. It might also be a good idea to forward a copy to the elder care solution provider. In the event of an emergency, in all likelihood, the elder care solution provider will be the first on the scene. 4. Modern Technology: As a person caring for aging parents, you might want to consider using modern day technology. From independent IP based video cameras to auto pill dispenser’s technology to timers that switch on and switch off devices automatically, modern day technology can be a great part of your elder care solution. All you need to do is familiarize your parents with the basic function of any device you install. Allow them time to adapt to it. Once they realize just how useful such devices are and begin using them, there will be less anxiety all round. 5. Maintenance: As part of your caring for aging parents, you might want to enter into a contract with a local maintenance service provider. These service providers usually send out an inspector to inspect your parent’s house and make sure everything is working as it should. These are usually monthly visits. Typically, the inspector will inspect the gas lines, heating, air conditioning, plumbing and various electrical gadgets. He can also arrange for furniture repairs and repairs to the house.