<r>Even the most dedicated children will sometimes find that caring for their parents over long distances can be a challenge. Addressing your concerns over mom and dad’s health, happiness and general well -being can potentially become demanding and stressful, whether you live an hour away, in a different state, or maybe even another country. Fortunately there are many ways that you can successfully take excellent care of your loved ones despite the miles that separate you.<br/>
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If you’re feeling the pressure and added responsibility that long distance care can bring, you’re not alone: more than 15% of the 34 million Americans who care for an older parent live an hour or more away from the care recipient, according to the <URL url="</s>"MetLife/National Alliance for Caregiving Report"<e></e></URL>. Follow these helpful strategies and tips on how to take great care of your parents from long distance. <br/>
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1. Schedule a Family Meeting – Chances are you may not be the only one involved in caring for your parents, and so it’s important to make sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to coordinating for their needs. Gather family and friends who are involved with caring for your parents to discuss goals, divide up duties and address everyone’s feelings about the issue. Choose someone to create and share a list of the decisions made. Be sure to include your parents in the decision making process.<br/>
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2. Organize Important Information – Compile any important information about your parents including medical conditions, and any legal or financial details. Family Caregiver’s Alliance <URL url="</s>legal documents<e></e></URL> (wills, trusts, power of attorney, etc.).<br/>
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3. Research Your Loved Ones Health Condition and Treatments – If your parents suffer from a medical condition or disability, find out all you can about the status of their health, what treatments are available, and how to assist with management, especially in the event of an emergency. This will help you better understand what your loved ones are going through, even if you are far way, and also help you prepare care providers and doctors with all relevant information. <br/>
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4. Find Professional Care Providers For Your Parents – There is a wide range of care solutions to choose from for seniors and disabled adults, including in-home care providers, home care agencies, and care communities (assisted living facilities, nursing and residential care homes, memory care facilities, etc.), depending on their needs and preferences. MyCareMatch.com can help you find a qualified and experienced care provider, agency or community that suits the specific needs of your parents, so that you can feel confident that they are receiving the best care possible when you are unable to be there. Having a trusted care providers tend to your parents can be incredibly helpful when you’re miles away.<br/>
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5. Identify Community Resources – Research the variety of local services that may be available to your parents. Depending on their needs and mobility, there may be social programs (game nights, outings, and other activities) that enable them to meet other seniors in their area and stay active. There also may be social services provided by senior centers, non-profits, churches, synagogues, and government agencies, which can help with food needs, medication, and more. Use <URL url="http://www.benefitscheckup.org"><s></s>BenefitsCheckUp.org<e></e></URL> to look for what’s available near them.<br/>
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6. Communicate Regularly – There are many different ways to stay in touch with your parents over long distances. Regularly scheduled phone conversations are obviously great, but also consider sending cards and gifts to them periodically. These days it’s also fairly easy and affordable to set them up with video chat capabilities using a smart phone, tablet or computer. And, of course, visit your parents whenever possible, as there’s nothing like one on one communication. When you do visit them, take the time to reassess their status, confirm that all of their affairs are in order and that their needs are continuing to be meet at an appropriate level. <br/>
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Taking care of your parents over long distances requires careful planning and thought, but by following these steps, you can help ensure that they are receiving the best care possible. Using these guidelines you can provide them with excellent care and rest assured that you are tending to your responsibilities, while also enjoying the special connection you have with your parents. To learn more about taking great care of your parents, visit <URL url="http://www.mycarematch.com"><s></s>MyCareMatch.com<e></e></URL>.</r>
<br/>
If you’re feeling the pressure and added responsibility that long distance care can bring, you’re not alone: more than 15% of the 34 million Americans who care for an older parent live an hour or more away from the care recipient, according to the <URL url="</s>"MetLife/National Alliance for Caregiving Report"<e></e></URL>. Follow these helpful strategies and tips on how to take great care of your parents from long distance. <br/>
<br/>
1. Schedule a Family Meeting – Chances are you may not be the only one involved in caring for your parents, and so it’s important to make sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to coordinating for their needs. Gather family and friends who are involved with caring for your parents to discuss goals, divide up duties and address everyone’s feelings about the issue. Choose someone to create and share a list of the decisions made. Be sure to include your parents in the decision making process.<br/>
<br/>
2. Organize Important Information – Compile any important information about your parents including medical conditions, and any legal or financial details. Family Caregiver’s Alliance <URL url="</s>legal documents<e></e></URL> (wills, trusts, power of attorney, etc.).<br/>
<br/>
3. Research Your Loved Ones Health Condition and Treatments – If your parents suffer from a medical condition or disability, find out all you can about the status of their health, what treatments are available, and how to assist with management, especially in the event of an emergency. This will help you better understand what your loved ones are going through, even if you are far way, and also help you prepare care providers and doctors with all relevant information. <br/>
<br/>
4. Find Professional Care Providers For Your Parents – There is a wide range of care solutions to choose from for seniors and disabled adults, including in-home care providers, home care agencies, and care communities (assisted living facilities, nursing and residential care homes, memory care facilities, etc.), depending on their needs and preferences. MyCareMatch.com can help you find a qualified and experienced care provider, agency or community that suits the specific needs of your parents, so that you can feel confident that they are receiving the best care possible when you are unable to be there. Having a trusted care providers tend to your parents can be incredibly helpful when you’re miles away.<br/>
<br/>
5. Identify Community Resources – Research the variety of local services that may be available to your parents. Depending on their needs and mobility, there may be social programs (game nights, outings, and other activities) that enable them to meet other seniors in their area and stay active. There also may be social services provided by senior centers, non-profits, churches, synagogues, and government agencies, which can help with food needs, medication, and more. Use <URL url="http://www.benefitscheckup.org"><s></s>BenefitsCheckUp.org<e></e></URL> to look for what’s available near them.<br/>
<br/>
6. Communicate Regularly – There are many different ways to stay in touch with your parents over long distances. Regularly scheduled phone conversations are obviously great, but also consider sending cards and gifts to them periodically. These days it’s also fairly easy and affordable to set them up with video chat capabilities using a smart phone, tablet or computer. And, of course, visit your parents whenever possible, as there’s nothing like one on one communication. When you do visit them, take the time to reassess their status, confirm that all of their affairs are in order and that their needs are continuing to be meet at an appropriate level. <br/>
<br/>
<br/>
Taking care of your parents over long distances requires careful planning and thought, but by following these steps, you can help ensure that they are receiving the best care possible. Using these guidelines you can provide them with excellent care and rest assured that you are tending to your responsibilities, while also enjoying the special connection you have with your parents. To learn more about taking great care of your parents, visit <URL url="http://www.mycarematch.com"><s></s>MyCareMatch.com<e></e></URL>.</r>