Utilizing Long Distance Care for a Family Member
Having an elderly parent with healthcare issues is one problem many of us hope we never have to face. However, having to deal with these issues over hundreds or thousands of miles can make this an even more stressful situation.
The time may come when you will need to ask yourself whether a loved one is still able to care for him or herself independently. Despite the distance, the process of obtaining qualified care for your loved one does not have to be difficult.
When searching for in-home care for your loved one, CareFocus Companion Services recommends the following steps:
• Start by performing an assessment with your family member’s doctors. An assessment may identify any special needs a patient may have, and evaluate physical function and mobility. Further assessments may include evaluation of living and self-care skills by occupational therapists and identifying speech and/or swallowing issues by speech/language pathologists, especially following medical complications like a stroke.
• Next, determine what level of care your loved one may need and its accompanying cost. For many seniors in need of care, this could start with care from a home health aide, who can provide assistance with daily living activities, such as personal care and grooming, and perhaps even some light cooking and cleaning.
• You may need to consider a higher level of care for cases that require closer monitoring. Work with a Physician to determine if skilled nursing care might be needed for conditions such as medication and pain management, cardiac and respiratory assessment, cancer care, diabetes care, wound care, and IV therapy and/or catheter care.
• You might also consider using the growing technology of home health and home safety monitoring services that families can use, in conjunction with a nurse or homecare agency, in order to provide your family with peace of mind.
• Finally, you can learn more about home healthcare through CareFocus Companion Services' online resource center, which includes access to our monthly E-mail Newsletter, Brochures, Articles and News, Useful Links, and additional resources.
If you’re about to decide on a long distance care provider, you’re not alone. CareFocus Companion Services is here to guide you with information and provide you with the resources you’ll need to ensure that your loved one is receiving the best possible care.
If you think a family member may be in need of homecare or caregiving services, contact CareFocus Companion Services today for a free assessment.