What happens when your parents are older, but you live on the other side of the country? You know their health is changing, and they need support. But no one lives close enough to help out.
You’re stressed. You can’t move, but part of you feels that moving in with your parents is the only way you’ll have peace of mind that they’re okay. They do not want you there 24/7. What can you do to ensure your parents have privacy but aren’t putting their safety at risk because they are independent?
Talk to Them About Having Caregivers
One option is to have caregivers available to help them with some of the more difficult weekly chores. Caregivers could stop by and help with laundry, vacuuming, and dusting. Hire home care aides to take them shopping and bring groceries in.
That only covers one day a week, however. Virtual caregiving enhances your parents’ daily care needs by having someone check in with a phone call or video chat. A “Remote Connect Coordinator” is available 24/7 for check-ins to see how your parents are doing.
These calls can simply be a chance to talk and enjoy a bit of companionship. They may involve options like medication reminders or a check-in to make sure your parents have showered and eaten.
Virtual home care services offer the option to have motion sensors placed in the home. The benefit of this technology is that it can track that your parents are up and moving around the house. If the sensors detect a fall, the virtual caregiver can call your parents and make sure they’re okay and not in need of medical care.
What happens if something is off? If the care coordinator feels your parents need help, a local contact you’ve given the agency is alerted and asked to stop by. If the care needs are urgent, the care coordinator will follow the plans you’ve discussed.
Hire Virtual Caregiving Services
Pair home care services with virtual caregivers. Your parents have a caregiver stopping by to take care of the light housekeeping, laundry, and meals. Home care aides can drive them to stores, medical offices, and area businesses. What happens after the caregiver goes home?
Your parents are alone all night, but that may not be ideal. They may have medications they need to take before bed, and your mom and dad don’t always remember or like being alone when they take them. There’s a solution that helps your parents feel safe without needing someone in the house 24/7.
Virtual caregiving services ensure they’re never alone. You have peace of mind that your parents are gaining companionship and reminders for daily tasks. A virtual caregiver is available for a chat at any time of the day or night. Call a virtual caregiving expert to learn more.