Technology and TLC: Ensuring a loved one is healthy and happy
One of our residents cycled through three different phones! A flip phone, a smart phone, then back to a flip phone!
This article was contributed by one of our regular contributors, Karen Weeks.
It wasn’t long ago that people who lived more than a few miles from an elderly parent or relative had good reason to worry. The possibility of falls, heart attack and stroke created a nightmare scenario for people who could do little but call the police or a neighbor if they suspected the unthinkable had happened. Today, it’s possible to maintain visual contact day and night through computer and communications technology. Alert monitors make sure that emergency medical personnel are on the scene in minutes if an elderly person has an accident. Even simple texts and emails can warn of impending trouble.
Yet distance caregiving can still present a challenge. Ensuring that a family member gets to medical appointments and takes all medications as prescribed is an iffy proposition, even with regular reminders. There are logistical considerations to arrange. If a senior has limited mobility, who will make sure they get to the doctor if the caregiver is too far away to intervene? It can be a stressful situation, but a well-organized approach can ensure that a senior loved one is healthy, happy and well-cared for.
Staying connected
Make sure to stay in contact with your loved one’s doctor and any specialists who are involved. If you live out of town, take the time to meet your family member’s health care providers, virtually or in person, to develop a level of trust and establish a reliable channel of communication. Gaining access to medical information is an important task that should be initiated as soon as possible. Release forms need to be signed before your relative’s doctor can share information. It’s a good idea to keep the signed forms and any health care provider contact information in one place so that it’s readily available when needed most.
Technology
Video chat apps allow distance caregivers to stay in close touch despite the miles that lie between you. Many caregivers use Skype or FaceTime and find them perfectly suitable for monitoring elderly relatives from a distance. These pioneering video chat apps are widely used, but bear in mind that you’ll need to use the system that’s easiest for your elderly relative. Figuring out which app works best for your situation will save time and minimize the technology “intimidation factor” for your family member.
Level of involvement
As a caregiver, your involvement could be as minimal as checking in every couple of days to make sure everything’s okay. Or you might need to be more engaged, helping your elderly family member pay bills and manage money; providing logistical and moral support when your loved one feels depressed or anxious; and researching and engaging outside services when needed.
As a distance caregiver, you may find yourself arranging for a lawn service to prevent an elderly relative from doing yard work in the heat or over-exerting themselves with dangerous equipment. According to HomeAdvisor, is costs an average of $41 to $122 to mow and maintain a lawn in Garland. It may also be a good idea to arrange for a cleaning service to come in every couple weeks. Cleaning services generally charge $20 - $40 an hour. They may need assistance bathing, getting dressed, performing toileting routines and other essential needs you’re too far away to help them complete. Fortunately, there are many resources that can put you in touch with the right people.
Local contact
If it’s clear that you need help taking care of your loved one, consider hiring a geriatric care manager, someone who can be on site to help make sure your wishes and your relative’s needs are provided for. (Insurance will sometimes pay for this level of care, so check your policy and your relative’s to see what options are available to you.) You should also investigate home-based technologies that can make your family member’s life more comfortable and convenient.
In many cases, staying in touch on a regular basis and being prepared for any medical contingencies is enough. For seniors who need more direct involvement, distance caregivers may need to investigate available resources nearer their loved one. The same technology that’s made it possible for you to help manage your loved one’s day-to-day needs can help you communicate with service providers who can administer care that you can’t.
Karen Weeks is a regular contributor to the Abba Care blog. Karen created ElderWellness.net as a resource for seniors who wish to keep their minds, bodies, and spirits well.