Tips for Long-Distance Senior Care in Bethesda, MD and Nearby Areas

For family caregivers in Bethesda, Silver Spring, Aspen Hill, and the surrounding areas, providing long-distance care for elderly and handicapped relatives may be emotionally and physically draining. It has been estimated that families that must give long-distance care for elderly loved ones are 47 percent more likely to experience emotional distress than those who care for a loved one who lives nearby, according to the National Alliance for Caregiving.

Why are families finding it so difficult to provide long-distance care for their elderly relatives? There are several reasons why adult children may not be able to care for their elderly parents. Having so much distance means it can be much more time-consuming to check in with a loved one on a regular basis. Even if you use modern technology to simplify caregiving responsibilities (such as keeping in touch with a loved one over social media), having an elderly loved one who struggles with learning how to use new devices and technology can complicate your efforts. In addition, other obligations such as employment, school and family responsibilities can make it difficult to prioritize your loved one’s needs. Keeping track of loved ones and giving them with the help they need might be difficult when you have a lot on your plate.

Helping an older loved one who lives far away doesn't have to be difficult. In-home care from Visiting Angels of Bethesda allows your loved one to age in place safely and comfortably. Our caregivers can keep an elderly family member company and help them with daily chores, all while keeping the rest of the family up to date on how they're doing every day. You don't have to reside in Prince George's or Montgomery Counties to arrange long-distance elder care with our team.

Use these tips to make long-distance caregiving easier.

Discuss your loved one’s needs

Talk to your family and any professional caregivers you decide to hire about the kind of care your loved one requires. Don't be afraid to voice your concerns if you're unsure whether you can assist your loved one. It's possible that, even if you live a great distance away, you can help your loved one with certain legal, medical or financial concerns. Visiting Angels of Bethesda can help you and your family design a caregiving strategy that takes into consideration the unique skills and time constraints of each individual.

Make the most of your visits

When you visit your loved one often in person, you get the opportunity to observe how they are feeling and how they are doing physically and mentally. To keep them healthy, look at their surroundings and assist them with any tasks they are unable to do alone. Your loved one and you will be able to spend more quality time together with the help of a professional in-home caregiver from Visiting Angels of Bethesda.

Keep an eye on your loved one’s living spaces

You should always check a loved one's in-home surroundings to determine whether they are suitable for their individual care needs and medical difficulties while making an in-person visit. You and other family members may help an elderly loved one remain safe and avoid falling at home with the support of a Visiting Angels of Bethesda home care specialist. If you notice your loved one is having difficulty getting about the home or reaching specific areas and belongings, it may be time to consider hiring a professional caregiver.

Designate a person to keep you informed

Having a single point of contact for a family member's health is the best thing you can do when creating a long-distance caregiving strategy. If no one in your immediate family is able to assist, try hiring a caregiver from Visiting Angels of Bethesda or asking a neighbor who your loved one has confidence in for assistance instead. An extra pair of ears and eyes on your loved one's health and behavior may help you stay on top of any significant changes in their condition.

Plan for emergencies

Preparation is key when setting up long-distance care for a senior loved one in case of an emergency. Having a loved one's emergency medical file on hand can help you in the event of an emergency requiring quick medical assistance. Since you'll always have access to their medical history using this manner, you'll save a significant amount of time.

Know the common signs of elder abuse

For families with older relatives who live far away, elder abuse is a common concern. However, if you know what to watch for, you can do your best to keep your loved one safe. Sudden changes in behavior, isolation, unexplained injuries or preventable conditions like bed sores are common signs of elder abuse.

How Does Visiting Angels of Bethesda Take the Stress Out of Long-Distance Senior Care?

Visiting Angels of Bethesda offers home care services for seniors in Bethesda, Silver Spring, Aspen Hill, Laurel and the surrounding Maryland communities. We provide a broad range of services that may be adapted to meet the specific needs of your loved one in terms of care as well as their preferred schedule. With the support of our Angels, you and your family may rest easy knowing that your loved one will get the care they need in their own home. Our caregivers help seniors with meal preparation, moving from room to room, getting dressed for the day and more.

To learn how Visiting Angels of Bethesda can help with long-distance senior care, call us at 301-490-9050 to schedule a free in-home consultation.