Being a caregiver for your senior loved one can be full of challenges. And when you are doing it from a long distance, the challenges tend to grow both in intensity and in number. Not only are you more likely to hire people to help, but you are also more likely to take time off work and spend time and money traveling, among other things.
Fortunately, there are a number of services and technologies these days that can make long-distance caregiving a little less overwhelming. And when you plan accordingly, these services and technologies can be made to fit within your budget. Here are a few examples:
Saving on Purchases
First of all, caregiving requires you to invest. And since you will probably be ordering certain products online and having them shipped to your loved one’s home, you need to figure out how to save money where it’s possible. Otherwise, the costs will add up before you know it. For example, if you or your senior spend money on supplies and supplements from the pharmacy, this can get expensive (and that’s not including prescription costs!). One way you can save here is to find online promo codes, coupons, and cashback offers for stores like Walgreens or CVS. And the same holds true for any other purchases. A little research can make a big difference in keeping costs down.
For other ideas on saving money on purchases, as well as information on many of the latest technologies, be sure to check out resources like INFOtainment News.
Keeping Them Connected
For many adults, one of the hardest parts of growing older is that they lose close friends and family members over time. When this happens, many seniors naturally become less social than they once were. But maintaining a social life is critical because it can significantly benefit overall health and well-being.
If your senior loved one lives alone, consider finding them a roommate. Having a roommate can help them avoid isolation, which can go a long way in improving their everyday life. Also, it’s cheaper to live with someone else, and roommates can share daily household responsibilities. And if there is an accident or health issue, your senior loved one’s roommate will be there to call emergency services or help in other ways.
Along with looking into getting your senior loved one a roommate, encourage them to become involved in the community. If they are able, spending time at a local senior center, attending community events, and finding activities to do in the neighborhood can help them stay connected and make new friends.
Trackers
When it comes to technology, trackers can be one of the most useful tools for helping seniors in everyday life, and they are typically quite affordable. Of course, there are fitness trackers that can monitor your heartbeat and the number of steps you take each day, among other features. However, there are also location trackers, which can come in especially handy if your loved one is prone to wander off.
Automatic Pill Dispensers
Automatic pill dispensers are another affordable and useful form of technology. They allow you to organize all of your medication by day and time, and they alert you when it’s time to take each pill, which can prove invaluable if your loved one takes a lot of different medications. Moreover, many automatic dispensers lock when they’re not being used; this not only helps prevent the wrong medication from being taken, but it also helps to keep the pills out of the hands of kids.
When you live an hour away, or even hundreds of miles away, taking care of your senior loved one can be thoroughly challenging. However, by using the right services and technologies, you can make your responsibilities less overwhelming. Look into the items discussed here, but keep in mind that there are many other things that can help with senior caregiving. So, continue your research, and remain open-minded to the solutions you find.
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