One Long-Distance Caregiver’s Story In Boca Raton, FL: Is It Enough
Linda had been concerned about her mother’s well-being for a long time. Ever since her mother had turned 78 and began to have more and more health problems, Linda knew that she needed some type of caregiver. She decided even though she lived more than three hours away that she would be her mother’s caregiver.
She wasn’t going to be providing home care in the traditional sense of the word. She was going to be a long-distance caregiver. For Linda, this was enough. She knew that her mother was still capable of tending to her basic needs and was able to walk around on her own without too much trouble. Her mother needed reminders to take her medication or about appointments that were coming up.
She relied on public transportation, especially through the local senior center, so that wasn’t a major concern. Linda assumed that just by checking in on a daily basis she would be able to ensure the safety and well-being of her mother.
The limitations.
In some cases, being a long-distance caregiver might actually be enough for some elderly individuals. If the elderly patient has a good amount of strength in their leg muscles, solid balance, and doesn’t have any issue with bathing or toileting, or even tending to laundry, then they may only need someone to check on them once in a while.
For Linda’s mother, she required a bit more direct care. She was beginning to have trouble with her balance and had a tendency to be forgetful about certain things. She might start to cook something, walk to another room and then forget that she had something on the stove.
No amount of calling once or twice a day was going to make a significant difference for Linda’s mother. It is important to recognize what the elderly individual requires as far as care and then honestly evaluate whether a simple phone call or checking in once in a while is enough.
Sometimes when we live a long distance away from our loved ones, it can make us feel helpless in some regard. Trying to do something, even if anything, may be enough to assuage our own fears or worries, but if it is not enough for the elderly individual who requires assistance, then you should seriously consider hiring a professional home care provider.
Being a long-distance caregiver has far too many limitations to truly be effective at helping to keep an elderly loved one safe and healthy at home.
If you or a family member in Boca Raton, are in need of home care services to help relieve caregiver stress, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today (631) 423-6689. Providing Service in Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Pompano Beach, Delray Beach, Coconut Creek, Taramac, Margate, and surrounding Florida cities.
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