Practical Tips for Long-Distance Caregiving

Out of an estimated 34 million family caregivers, 15% live an hour or more away from their loved ones for whom they are providing care. As much as we would like, we are not always in a position to provide consistent daily care for an aging family member. For those who live far away, providing care and making caregiving decisions can be both challenging and worrisome. Fortunately, with the right technology, tools, and support, long-distance caregiving can be a safe and fulfilling age in place option for many families. Read on to discover tips for long-distance caregiving.

Use Smart Technologies

Smart home technologies are not just for convenience. They can also provide a way for family caregivers to monitor their loved one from a distance to ensure their health and safety. Motion sensors, for example, can help monitor movement, or the lack thereof, in the home. This can indicate how much time someone spends in bed, if they leave the home, or even if they are opening the refrigerator and accessing nutrition. You can use smart technologies to help avoid falls by having the light turn on when motion is detected, keep the home at comfortable temperatures, and even ensure that exterior doors are locked at night. It is also possible to use technology to simulate activity in different parts of the home to make it seem like many people occupy the space. 

Home Security Systems Provide Security and Information

According to the AARP, home security systems today are far more than just an alarm that sounds on intrusion. Modern monitored solutions allow you to access the system remotely, do things such as view video surveillance, receive motion alerts, lock and unlock doors, and arm the system all from a smartphone. There are even personal panic buttons that can connect your loved one to immediate help. Video doorbells are also useful so that you can help monitor who approached the door and can answer remotely so that others do not know if anyone is home alone or not. 

Connect with Video Surveillance

Video surveillance can provide a constant window into a loved one's life and wellbeing. Used outside, you can monitor the property and deter intruders. Used indoors, it allows you to oversee activities such as preparing meals to gauge what tasks may need more support. 

Enlist In-Home Caregivers 

One of the biggest challenges of providing distance care is that there many things you just cannot do from afar. Caregiving can include a wide variety of tasks, such as housekeeping, cooking, transportation, and assisting with bathing and toileting. Managing all of these things daily can place enormous strain on the caregiver and their relationship with their loved one. Enlisting the help of a live-in home care provider ensures the loved one receives quality and consistent senior care on a daily basis and makes the time you have with them more productive and stress-free. 

Today, distance caregiving is a viable, safe, and guilt-free, solution to managing aging in place. These tips for long-distance caregiving can help! Caregivers do not have to do it alone and can equip themselves with tools that bridge the distance. 

Senior Helpers Baltimore

Recognized for kind, supportive in-home care that encourages dignity, health, and independence, Senior Helpers Baltimore provides services that include dementia care, Parkinson's care, and other customizable senior care services. We serve Baltimore County, Howard County, Harford County, and Carroll County. For more information about this and other in-home care topics and resources, contact us.