Long-distance caregiving for an aging parent can be unsettling and emotionally challenging. While growing older might result in increased physical, emotional, and cognitive needs, for a family member living miles away it may also mean continual fear of an emergency or struggling with a runaway imagination when a phone isn’t promptly answered.
The outcome of this situation can be a constant level of anxiety for the entire family.
It’s not uncommon for adult children and their parents to live in different geographic locations. With today’s technology, it’s easier to stay in touch and connected but it can’t take the place of responding quickly when help is needed or in a time of crisis.
There is an answer, however, that provides parents with needed support and care while working with family as active members of the care team – an assisted living community.
Challenges Faced by Long-Distance Caregivers
For those who are separated by miles, there are several difficult challenges that may need to be navigated, including:
- Emergency Situations
Being far away can feel overwhelming when unexpected medical emergencies or falls occur. The time it takes to travel can delay essential decision-making and increase anxiety for everyone involved. - Monitoring Health Changes
Recognizing signs of cognitive or physical decline can become more complicated from a distance. The inability to check-in face-to-face can lead to missed medical conditions or worsening of existing ones. - Managing Medications
Mismanagement of multiple medications can lead to health issues and even hospitalization. While automatic dispensers can help, understanding what to do with a missed dose or refilling prescriptions can be confusing. - Home Maintenance and Safety
Confirming home safety from a distance is difficult – including tripping hazards, malfunctioning appliances or accessibility issues. In between visits, many adult children discover how quickly a home can go into disrepair. - Social Isolation
It can be hard to gauge social health or potential signs of depression or isolation. Parents often want to protect their children from worry and may not be honest about how they are feeling emotionally. - Managing Finances and Appointments
Remote management of finances, bills, and medical appointments can be difficult. Making arrangements for a home care agency to provide this service is a possibility but still requires your oversight. - Balancing Personal Life and Caregiving Duties
Adult children often juggle responsibilities with their own families and careers while managing long-distance care. This can lead to overwhelm – and unfortunately a failure to recognize where help may be needed most.
Benefits of Assisted Living for Long-Distance Caregivers
When families can’t reconcile the situation by moving to be near each other, the choice of an assisted living community can be the perfect solution. Your loved one will receive attention and care and have access to all the other features that contribute to an enriched and full life.
Take a look at a few of the benefits of assisted living for both the resident and the long-distance caregiver:
- Around-the-Clock Access to Professional Care: Assisted living communities offer attention and care 24/7. Trained staff can promptly assess and respond to medical emergencies, reducing the immediate stress on long-distance caregivers.
- Health and Wellness: Along with healthy dining and fitness opportunities, continued interactions with the staff mean any changes in health, whether cognitive or physical, will get noticed sooner and addressed promptly.
- Medication Management: Assisted living communities can ensure their residents receive their medications on time and in the correct dosages. This can support good health and reduce the risks associated with mismanagement.
- Safe and Maintained Environment: The private residences and public areas are accessible and age-friendly. Communities are free of common household hazards, providing a safe space for the residents and reassurance for the long-distance caregiver.
- Social Engagement: Assisted living communities prioritize the importance of social health. Regularly organized activities, group outings and events encourage residents to remain engaged and socially interact.
- Help with Daily Activities: Daily responsibilities, meal preparations and personal care can become increasingly challenging as parents age. Assisted living provides help with these tasks, ensuring quality life without the associated stresses.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that your parent is in a safe environment with a professional staff provides immense peace of mind. Assisted living partners with the long-distance caregiver to deliver comprehensive attention.
Closing the Gap: Assisted Living and Long-Distance Caregiving
For aging parents, assisted living means a life of dignity, independence and active engagement without the pressure of managing a household. They can enjoy their lives once again, make new friends, and join in activities without the fear of needing help and being alone.
For the long-distance caregiver, assisted living means reassurance. The constant worry about a parent’s health and safety diminishes. The familiar roles can resume and visits can become more enjoyable.
Nothing can replace the presence and involvement of family but assisted living communities come close. Not only do they provide care and attention, but loved ones may be able to re-engage more fully. Assisted living offers a viable solution for long-distance caregivers, ensuring their parents receive the best care possible so they, in turn, can find a balance in their own lives.
Assisted Living at Presbyterian Village North
We believe in empowering residents to live life on their own terms, regardless of age or abilities. Our Assisted Living neighborhood is designed to help you or your loved one maintain a sense of independence and autonomy while receiving the individualized support needed to thrive. With a focus on preserving dignity, our trained professionals provide assistance with daily activities such as dressing, grooming and medication management, all while encouraging social engagement and personal growth.
Our community offers a range of services to make everyday life easier and more enjoyable, including restaurant-style dining, wellness programs and a monthly calendar of social and cultural activities.
With a nurse onsite 24/7 and a variety of spacious and thoughtfully designed residences to choose from, Presbyterian Village North is the perfect place to find peace of mind and enhanced quality of life.
Reach out today by calling (800) 400-4130 to learn more about how we can provide the care and support you or your loved one needs, all within a vibrant, caring community.