How to Be an Effective Long-Distance Family Caregiver

Many family caregivers don’t live in the same city or even the same province as their aging loved ones. With a little bit of planning and some foresight, you can ensure your loved one remains as healthy and comfortable as possible in between your visits. Here’s a quick look at some tactics and strategies you can use to provide world-class care from a distance.

Have Your Parent Fill Out a PIPEDA Consent Form

Family caregivers are often surprised to hear they can’t access another party’s medical information until a PIPEDA consent form is filled out. Your loved one’s doctor won’t even be able to give you basic information unless this document has been signed by all parties. Once you’ve filed that paperwork, you’ll be able to call or email your loved one’s medical team and discuss any issues he or she is facing. If your loved one would like you to make decisions regarding his or her health, including decisions about in-home care, you must fill out a medical power of attorney form as well.  If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional in-home care, Home Care Assistance should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults address their health issues and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years.

Set Up Online Accounts for Your Loved One’s Finances

There may come a point where your loved one can no longer take care of his or her own finances, which is why you should make sure you have access to all of his or her accounts. With that information, you’ll be able to pay old bills before they’re sent to collections and make sure your loved one has enough money for necessities. You can also keep an eye out for any signs of identity theft or other financial crimes. When those crimes aren’t caught early on, they can easily cost seniors tens of thousands of dollars.

Contact Each Other as Often as Possible

You don’t need to call your loved one every day to check up, but you should try to engage with him or her as much as possible. One of the best ways to stay in contact with an older adult is through the Internet, and teaching your loved one how to use a computer could make the next few years much easier. Instead of calling you over minor issues, your loved one can write a quick email or send a message through a social media platform. Longer phone calls can be restricted to the weekends when you have more time to talk.  For families living in Winnipeg, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.

Establish a Local Caregiving Team

No matter how involved you try to be, you’re going to need local help at some point. Family members are a great option if they happen to live close to your loved one, but you should also consider local religious organizations and senior centers. Some of those organizations pick up older adults and help them run errands or send friendly representatives to check on them. You might also want to work with a professional caregiver who can socialize with your loved one and help with home upkeep and other tasks. There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Home Care Assistance is a leading Winnipeg home care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life. To learn more about our premier in-home care plans, call us at (204) 489-6000 today.