Caring For Loved Ones So Far Away

In today's world, it's common for families and friends to be separated by great distances. At some point in their lives, your parents, grandparents or a loved one may need in-home care. Suddenly you are faced with the challenge of long distance care giving.

The best approach to dealing with long distance care giving is to educate yourself and family and to prepare ahead of time.

* Do Your Love Ones Need Care?
*Do your loved ones need assistance with walking?
*Has their physical or emotional health been declining?
*Are they able to prepare nutritious daily meals?
*Are they able to shop for themselves?
*Are they able to manage their bills and finances?
*Are they taking their medications on time?
*Are they still able to drive safely?
*Are they in need of companionship?
*Are they able to dress & groom themselves?

How Do You Prepare? By Planning Ahead!

Discuss future care needs with your loved ones & family members. Prepare the necessary legal and medical documents that may be necessary should an emergency arise. Form a local contact list of their medical professional, hospitals, pharmacies and other medical facilities they might need.

Check the home to see if it needs modifications such as enlarging doorways and/or installing ramps and bars.

Consider working with a local geriatric manager or Certified Senior Advisor. Most importantly, contact your loved ones and their medical professionals, friends, neighbors and other support system that may already be in place. Establishing and maintaining relationships provides a comfort zone within the family.

Institutional Facilities vs Their Home

Sometimes, nursing homes and retirement housing seems like the only option available for senior care. However, there can be significant emotional trauma when your elderly loved ones leave their cherished home and familiar surroundings. Studies have shown that seniors thrive more when they remain in their homes and familiar communities, with their friends and neighbors looking in on them occasionally.

You May Have Feelings of Guilt

Guilt is a natural emotion, It's frustrating to be separated by long distances while trying to manage remotely. Reduce your anxiety & share the load with other family members. Know your strengths, your limitations and let others help. They might not realize you need help if you don't ask for it.

If your loved one is dealing with a specific illness (Alzheimer's, ALS, Cancer, Stroke...) contact local associations/support groups. Click Here  for links to some helpful Websites. 

When necessary, use the services of a care manager, elder law attorney or Certified Senior Advisor.

Most importantly stay in contact with your loved ones and their support groups. Establish periodic phone calls, and visit as often as possible.

How Do You Choose A Home Care Agency?

Home care agencies offer different levels of service. Choose an agency that can offer more than basic homemaker services. Eventually your loved one will require additional personal care services (assistance with dressing, bathing, hygiene) and you wouldn't want to change agencies once your loved ones were already familiar with their caregivers and other personnel.

The agency you choose should be bonded, insured and licensed (not all states require home care licensing.) An agency should screen Caregivers, including criminal background checks, and only hire experienced, caring individuals who are equipped to handle all types of situations.  You or your loved one should be able to meet with the caregiver before you agree to services.

Choose an agency that complies with HIPAA.

How Can They Afford The Care They Need?

Since home care services are non-medical, they currently are not covered by Medicare. Home care services are generally paid individually or by long term care insurance. Often, funds are available from associations for the care of their members who are afflicted with a specific disease.

An excellent resource is the reverse mortgage. It allows your loved one to access funds from their home equity, without touching their income producing investments.

Veterans and their spouses may qualify for the 'Disability Pension for Aid and Attendance' which provides funds for in-home care. The phone number for Bay Pines Veterans Administration is 727-398-6661.

The Pasco Area Agency on Aging is another source in the Pinellas - Pasco area of Florida. Their Intake phone number is 727-217-8111.