Long Distance Relationships: How to care for your parent when you live out-of-state - Halo Senior Solutions
Long Distance Relationships: How to care for your parent when you live out-of-state

Caring for an elderly parent is challenging. Add in the fact that you live out-of-state and an equation for distress has been created. With these few hints, caring for your loved one, thousands of miles away, can put your mind at ease while making you feel closer to your parent.

1. Work as a team

In almost every case, you are not the only one who is able to care for your elderly parent. Rely on your siblings, parent’s friends, and another parent (if applicable) for help in the care of your loved one. Take the pressure off yourself and let those who are geographically closer to your parent take over some day-to-day tasks and delegate responsibilities in planning for their physical and emotional care.

2. Plan regular calls

A very practical step in making sure your elderly parent knows you are there for them is scheduling times to regularly call them. Not only do they feel secure in their support system but also you are actively tuned in to their needs, and are more likely to sense if a bad situation arises. The earlier you know if something is wrong, the earlier you can ask people nearby to step in and fix it.

3. Know your strength and limitations

Are you working full time job? Do you have children still in the home? Do you understand what the commitment to a long-distance caretaker entails emotionally? Make sure when caring for a your elderly parent, you take an honest look at your own situation and know your limits on how much you can help. Just because you’re busy or stressed doesn’t mean you’re useless. Instead, look at what your strengths are; if you are organized, be a coordinator for delegating tasks to others; if you are good at encouragement, be your parent’s first call when something goes wrong. Do what you excel at.

4. Know where important information is located

When it comes time for an important decision to be made—whether it be about finances, living situations, or future plans—knowing where your parent’s legal documents are located is a must. Often, elderly parents are less able to keep track vital documents on their own; keeping track of important documents and other information for them takes a burden off of them and the lifts the stress of worrying off of you.

5. Hire help!

Planning and executing a major change in lifestyle, like a move, for an elderly parent is often more than anyone can undertake on their own. Know when you’ve reached your limits, and don’t be afraid to reach out to someone, or some company. You may also consider hiring home health care professionals as another viable resource. This does not mean you are a failure to your parents! It means taking a step to make sure they are in the best hands—professional hands.

Thanks to Harmony Senior Relocation Services for the article.  You can learn more about them at www.harmonymoves.com

Financial Services

Often it can be finances that prevents a senior move when it’s needed. We can connect you with a HALO Certified Financial Services company that has many options to make a move work for you.

Home Repairs

Often to get a home ready to sell, it needs a little TLC to get the most dollars. We can connect you with a HALO Certified Home Repair company that’s perfect for your repair needs.

Elder Law Issues

There are many things to consider with a senior move. An elder law attorney can be extremely helpful during the process. We can connect you with a HALO Certified Elder Law attorney that can help.

Moving Coordination

With many companies that have to be involved with a move to a new location, it’s often helpful to have the experience of a company that has coordinated it all many times. We will connect you with a HALO Certified Moving Coordination company that you can trust.

Sorting/Packaging Services

One of the many time consuming pieces of a senior move is sorting and packing the things you want to take to your new place. We can connect you with a HALO Certified company that specializes in this work, and remove that burden for you.

Home Clean Outs

One of the finishing touches to any move is to remove all of the unwanted items so that the house can be cleaned to sell. This may mean many trips to places like Goodwill or the dump. We can connect you with a HALO Certified Clean Out company to complete that for you.

Estate Sales

When downsizing to a smaller place, estate sales often can be a great way to not only get rid of unwanted things, but also can generate some additional money for the move. We can connect you with a HALO Certified Estate Sales company to help.

Home Sales

Do you have a home to sell? One of the most challenging things for people to move into a new place is selling their old place. We put you in touch with a HALO Certified Realtor to get the job done right.

Tech Support

Devices can be difficult to manage. We can provide technical support and training to help you or a loved one solve technical issues, set up your new devices and gain confidence in using your electronics.

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