Whether a senior ages in place at home or needs more consistent care, it's important to help them maintain certain levels of independence. This ensures they're supported and validated while feeling empowered to take care of their own needs as appropriate. If you live far away from an aging parent, the distance can make it difficult —but not impossible—to provide the necessary care. Here are a few long-distance tips that will make providing care easier for both of you.

How to Approach Senior Caregiving When You Don't Live Close By

1. Stay in Touch

Schedule regular phone calls with your aging parent or loved one. If they're comfortable with technology, consider getting them a tablet or other device and introducing them to video chat technology. Staying in touch is crucial for a number of reasons. First, it helps dispel senior loneliness and social isolation. Keeping the family connected ensures younger members have relationships with their grandparents or great-grandparents. Additionally, it lets you gauge how well your parent is doing, how they're faring with the tasks of daily living, and whether they require a more monitored environment with routine care.

2. Make an Emergency Plan

Think about the steps you can take if your parent experiences a medical emergency. You won't be able to be by their side right away, so have a plan in place that gets you there as soon as possible. 

Keep an emergency bag packed with a few changes of clothes and toiletries, and talk to a nearby family member or friend who will be willing to look after your children or pets if you need to leave in a rush. On your parent's end, get to know a few of their friends or neighbors, and select a point of contact you can call who will provide updates until you arrive.

3. Gather Information About Care Options

If your loved one reaches a point where they're unable to manage the responsibilities of independent living entirely by themselves, find the support they need. Now is the time to research care options that can help them if the need arises. Look into local assisted living communities and at-home care providers. Obtain contact information for each one, and learn more about the services they offer. When you visit the area, tour a few communities to see which one will be a good fit for your parent.

Abbington Assisted Living is proud to provide senior care throughout Columbus, Pickerington, Powell, Chillicothe, and Coshocton, OH. Abbington senior living communities are one-story buildings that are designed with comfort and security in mind, offering comprehensive nursing care services in a compassionate, comfortable, and cost-effective manner. Please visit our website or call us directly at (614) 451-4575 in Columbus, (614) 577-0822 in Pickerington, (614) 789-9868 in Powell, (740) 773-4630 in Chillicothe, or (740) 623-4600 in Coshocton.