Caring for a loved one from afar can be challenging, but distance doesn’t have to mean disconnection. With the right support system, you can ensure your loved one receives the care they need while giving yourself peace of mind. At Senior Helpers Boston and South Shore, we believe in the power of the Circle of Care – a structured, supportive network where everyone has a role in caregiving. Even if family members aren’t in the Boston area or on the South Shore, you can still build a strong local support system to keep your loved one safe, engaged and thriving.
1. Leverage Local Resources
Many communities have organizations designed to help seniors maintain independence. Some key resources include:
- The Council on Aging: These local organizations often offer transportation, meal programs and social activities.
- Faith Communities: Churches, synagogues and other faith-based groups often have volunteer programs that provide assistance for aging adults.
- Senior Centers: Many towns offer wellness programs, social events and educational workshops for seniors.
- Professional Care Services: Home care agencies like Senior Helpers Boston and South Shore can provide trained and vetted Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) and Home Health Aides (HHA) to assist with daily activities, companionship, personal care and more.
2. Build a Reliable Care Team
Since family can’t always be there in person, putting together a local team of trusted caregivers is essential. This may include:
- Neighbors and Friends: Encourage them to check in regularly and assist with small tasks.
- Professional Caregivers: Our nurse-led, evidence-based home care services ensure your loved one receives personalized support tailored to their needs. Our Certified Nursing Assistants and Home Health Aides receive extensive and ongoing training as well as background checks that exceed State requirements.
- Healthcare Providers: Make sure your loved one’s doctors and specialists are involved in their care plan and that someone can accompany them to appointments.
3. Harnessing the Power of AI
Technology can bridge the gap between you and your loved one, offering valuable insights that enhance safety and well-being. At Senior Helpers Boston and South Shore, we use Sensi.AI, an advanced virtual care assistant that continuously monitors home sounds, detects changes in patterns and enables us to identify potential concerns before they escalate.
Sensi.AI works by:
- Establishing a baseline of everyday sounds in the home.
- Analyzing new data to detect patterns that fall outside the normal range.
- Flagging potential issues before they become serious concerns.
Sensi.AI has helped our team provide proactive care in real-world situations, including:
- Preventing Falls: One client’s walker kept getting caught on the rug at the same time every evening. Sensi.AI detected a repeated banging noise and signs of frustration, alerting us to the issue. With this insight, we were able to correct the problem before it led to a fall.
- Detecting Health Concerns Early: Sensi.AI noticed a client was using the restroom more frequently than usual. This subtle change led to the early detection of a urinary tract infection (UTI) – even before the client, their family or doctors recognized the symptoms.
4. Using Other Smart Technology to Stay Connected
Other smart technology is available to keep families engaged and informed as well. From video calls to smart home devices, these tools help you stay connected to your loved one, no matter the distance. Some useful options include:
- Video Calls: Regular FaceTime, Zoom or Skype calls can help reduce feelings of isolation.
- Smart Home Devices: Voice-activated assistants can help seniors with daily tasks, set reminders and control home features like lighting and security.
- Shared Digital Calendars: Google, Microsoft and Apple (iCloud) have calendar options that can be shared and synced with every member of your Circle of Care to keep track of caregiver schedules, medical appointments and other important events.
5. Prioritize Your Loved One’s Well-Being and Independence
The goal of a Circle of Care is not just to provide assistance but also to ensure your loved one maintains autonomy, dignity and a high quality of life. That is why we prioritize open communication and education for everyone involved. By surrounding your family member with compassionate caregivers, accessible resources and smart technology, you can create a supportive environment – even from miles away.
Senior Helpers: Your Partner in Care
At Senior Helpers Boston and South Shore, we personalize every care plan using our Life Profile™ assessment, which touches on 225 unique risk factors, to ensure each client receives a customized services that balance needs and wants. Our skilled team of professionals provides expert care while respecting each client’s independence and dignity.
We also believe in economic respect, ensuring that every care plan is structured to provide the best support without unnecessary costs. By embracing smart technology without compromising care, we create efficient and effective solutions that make caregiving easier for families near and far.
Let’s work together to build a Circle of Care that brings peace of mind to your family, no matter where you are. Call 617-500-6999 or contact us using the form here on our website to learn more about our personalized home care solutions.