Caring for Senior Loved Ones in Hot Springs, AR, and Surrounding Areas with No Immediate Family Nearby

Adult children worry about aging parents, particularly if they live alone or with a partner with health or cognitive issues. It may be really difficult when you are separated from a loved one by a great distance. They have reached the stage in life when they need help with basic activities. Is there anything you can do if you and your other siblings are unable to check up on them?

Long-distance caring has becoming more prevalent as families move further apart. Fortunately, families who do not reside in Hot Springs or the surrounding regions of Garland County, AR may still establish a support system for an aging loved one by making use of online and other community-based services, tools, and resources.

Create a Visitation Schedule for Friends and Family

Isolation is a real risk for seniors who opt to age in place. It's normal for one parent to feel lonely when they're the primary caregiver for the other. Due to her time spent caring for your demented father, your mother may withdraw from social activities. As her long-time partner goes through these changes, she may feel even more alone than before. This is shifting from a romantic connection into a professional one.

Because they may not receive as many visits or go out as often as they used to, seniors may find it challenging to keep in contact with friends and family.

The companionship of family, friends, neighbors, and even volunteers from local community organizations can do wonders for a lonely loved one. Make sure your loved one is ready for visitors by keeping track of when and who is coming. Can't think of a single person you know in Garland County? Get in touch with the Area Agency on Aging of West Central Arkansas if you want information about local programs that give seniors with companionship who still live alone.

Create Opportunities for Community Engagement

Perhaps your senior loved one feels lonely, but they aren't making any attempts to connect with others or even their immediate surroundings. It's common for individuals to lose some of their mobility and inclination to be out and about as they get older. In cases like these, family and friends of seniors who are aging in place may provide a great service by encouraging them to become involved in their community.

Set up a recurring monthly Uber or other community ridesharing excursion to take Mom to the library or her stylist. Get in touch with the CHI St. Vincent McAuley Senior Center and other Garland County-based community centers to find out whether they provide any services for elderly persons who live alone. Researching local volunteer activities might be a terrific way for your dad to get out of the house and meet new people, especially if he still has access to a vehicle.

Video Chat

In order to keep in touch with your senior loved ones, you could encourage them to sign up for a video chat service like Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime. A video call is the next best thing to being able to see your father in person.

When you visit, your dad may seem like everything's well, but over the phone, he may sound really sad because he misses you so much. Despite his tries to reassure you over the phone, he has been severely impacted by your mother's death. While on the phone with Dad, take careful note of any hints he may provide as to whether he needs further assistance or if he is doing well and would appreciate more visits from loved ones.

Automate Bill Payments and Pill Deliveries

It's common for seniors to forget important details like bills and doctor's appointments as they age. They will have much more spare time and energy if their obligations are handled automatically. To avoid the high cost of a hospitalization, it may be worthwhile to explore recent options for assisting with medication management.

Internet banking and medication delivery services mean you don't have to be physically there whenever Mom has a payment made or a prescription renewed. While you're still in town, it's best to go to your mother's bank and pharmacy to update their records in person, but after you've left, automate as much as possible so you can take care of things without leaving your house.

Shop and Ship Groceries and Essentials Online

If your elderly father has trouble getting around and needs help getting groceries and other necessities, don't worry: Amazon Prime, Target, and Kroger all offer helpful delivery services. Sign up for automatic delivery from one of the many online firms that offer bulk savings if your loved ones use a box of adult diapers every two months or a case of fruit and vegetables every few weeks.

Hire a Professional Caregiver from Visiting Angels of Hot Springs

Since you live so far away from your parents, it could be impractical for either of you to uproot and move in with them. There are many things you can do to ensure that an older loved one may continue to live comfortably and independently in their own home. Visiting Angels of Hot Springs has experienced caregivers who can help seniors in Hot Springs, Hot Springs Village, Fountain Lake, and other nearby areas age in place. After creating a safety net using the methods described above, this might be the next logical step.

How does Visiting Angels of Hot Springs help seniors? Whether it's helping with meal planning and preparation or getting your loved one to and from the doctor on time, we've got you covered with our home care services. Our customers like the ability to keep in constant contact with a caregiver and appreciate the companion care services we provide. Your loved ones may benefit from our Social Care program by learning how to make the most of communication channels including social media, video conferencing apps, and email. You may rest assured knowing that our caregivers will keep a close eye on your loved one and alert you to any concerning changes in behavior or health.

To top it all off, you can discuss your loved one's care without physically being there. Our care coordinators will maintain open lines of communication with you by phone and video call all during the in-home assessment. Our goal is to make scheduling in-home care easier for families so that they can focus on what really matters.

Call Visiting Angels of Hot Springs at 501-222-3493 to learn how we can help your senior loved one today!