During the holiday season, many family members are tasked with arranging care accommodations for older loved ones who live far away. Home Instead Senior Care provides tips to help family members provide such care.

“Long-distance caregiving during any time of the year can be tough for families responsible for older adults living an hour away or hundreds of miles away,” says Lakelyn Hogan, gerontologist at Omaha, Neb-based Home Instead Senior Care, in a media release. “The family traditions around the holidays can make the time even more difficult and emotional, so it’s more important than ever for families to stay in close touch with long-distance senior loved ones and their support systems.”

For adult children and families, caring for a loved one who lives any distance can be stressful and expensive. If relocating closer to a loved one is not an option, Home Instead recommends the following tips to help provide care:

  • Establish open communication – When visiting a relative, make time to meet the individuals who are part of a loved one’s everyday life. Whether that’s a physician or caregiver, it’s important to get to know those who are involved in the daily care of a loved one.
  • Be observant – If you notice a loved one avoids answering specific questions about their health, has stopped participating in their usual activities, is unaware of current events or forgetting important dates, these may be warning signs that they need additional care or help around the house.
  • Be prepared – Create a list of your older adult’s medical issues/medications, doctor’s names, and legal documents in case you need to access them from afar during an emergency.
  • Spend quality time during visits – It’s easy to get wrapped up in caregiving responsibilities. When you visit, set aside time with your loved one to participate in activities that are unrelated to caregiving. Go see a movie together, plan a visit to see other family members, go for a walk, or simply relax at home.
  • Get to know neighbors and friends – Get to know your loved one’s neighbors, and identify one or two trustworthy individuals that can check in and give you occasional updates.
  • Learn more about caregiving – Find support to help you become a better caregiver. For example, Home Instead Senior Care offers resources that can help family members provide better care and learn skills, such as how to safely move someone from a bed to a chair, how to help someone bathe, and how to prevent and treat bed sores, as well as basic first aid.

Home Instead Senior Care provides further resources to aid caregivers.

[Source(s): Home Instead Senior Care, PRWeb]