How to Build a Long Distance Care Team

We live in a progressive society, which means adult children are not always going to reside in close proximity to senior loved ones. This situation makes it difficult to ensure that the daily needs of an aging parent are addressed, especially if he or she is living with a chronic disease. However, putting together a reliable long-distance care team is possible. Having relatives, friends, and professional caregivers who can offer support to your loved one will give peace of mind. Boynton Beach home care has shared a few simple ways to create a dependable team that will serve the best interest of your aging loved one.

Ask Questions

Start by inquiring how you can be helpful. Does your aging loved one require transportation to run errands, visit doctors, or attend events? Find out about your loved one's day-to-day activities and what tasks are difficult for him or her.

Talk to the Senior’s Doctor

Ask the doctor to provide you regular updates about the senior loved one’s health. Find out if you are the health care proxy. Seniors often hide information regarding their diagnosis or ailments for fear of losing independence. You should know the exact health condition to address it properly. Get written permission to receive medical information. If you don’t have written permission from your aging loved one, the doctors cannot, by law, reveal private medical information and diagnosis to you. However, physicians may be willing to advise the types of support that will be helpful.

Talk to Family Members, Friends, and Neighbors

You can schedule a reliable support system if the neighbor’s child agrees to take out the garbage or a friend accompanies your loved one during exercise. Family members can also offer transport to grocery shopping, especially during extreme cold and hot weather. Provide your phone numbers, e-mail, home address, and other contact information to the long-distance care team and Boynton Beach in-home care provider.

Rely on Local Resources

Several organizations are providing support for elderly people. You can search and find the ones in your aging loved one’s area.

Hire Professional Caregiver

If your senior loved one requires help maintaining healthy habits, eating nutritious foods, establishing strong social ties, and performing daily tasks, consider hiring Boynton Beach home care professionals. Providing long-distance care to senior loved ones may present unique challenges for many caregivers, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A dedicated caregiver can provide updates and help with making fruitful decisions for your loved one. Many families schedule Skype calls with seniors, their caregivers, and physicians to get up-to-date information.

Keep Detailed Records

You can create a notebook or ring binder in which you can take notes, keep insurance information, save medical records, and schedule appointments. This will provide a great help as the home care becomes complex. Write the contact information for all close relatives, caregivers, nurse practitioners, and physicians.