Not every family lives close by. You live on the West Coast, but your parents are still on the East Coast. When you live far apart, helping them out doesn’t work the same as it would if you were a few blocks away. It still can be effective. You need to understand the five best ways to care from a distance.
Help With Finances
Your parents may be managing their finances on their own. If they’re not and have missed payments, it’s time to help out. From your house, it’s easy to set up online bill payments for them using their bank or credit union’s online banking system.
Keep track of their budget and make sure they have the money to cover outgoing bills. If they’re spending more than they earn, you could research discounts with some of the things they have and help them save. Discounts may be offered on their utility bills. They may save money changing to a less expensive internet plan or by dropping cable TV and switching to streaming services.
Handle Their Online Shopping Needs
You might not be able to take your parents to a store, but you can shop for their groceries and other necessities online for them or a caregiver to pick up. You’ll be able to help them stay well supplied with groceries, and you keep them from shopping for unhealthy snack foods and other binge purchases.
You can also shop online for necessities like toiletries, paper products, and cleaners. Those items can be shipped directly to your parents’ house.
Stay Updated Through Video Chats
You may not be able to meet with your parents up close, but today’s technology makes it easy to talk to them every day. Use a video chat service like Facetime, Google Hangouts, Skype, or Zoom to talk each day. During that talk, you can see your parents’ faces.
It may not be the same as being there, but you’ll be able to hear congestion signifying a chest cold, flu, or something else. You’ll see their coloring and know if they’re too pale or seem flushed. You’ll also have insight into whether they’re losing or gaining weight.
Learn More About Their Health Through Telehealth Visits
With the arrival of COVID-19 came innovative ways to meet with doctors without leaving the home. If your parents’ doctors offer telehealth visits, see if you can attend one with your parents. You’ll be able to hear the doctor’s suggestions and ask questions of your own.
Partner With Home Care Services
Partner with home care services to make sure your parents have help close by. For tasks like laundry, cleaning, and transportation, caregivers can stop by and help out. You’ll stay in touch to get reports regarding how they’re doing and what other home care services would help them remain safe and happy.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering home care in Brentwood, CA, please contact the caring staff at Provident Care Home Care today at (209) 578-1210.
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