Tips for Handling Guilt Related to Long-Distance Caregiving

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Ways for Handling Guilt Related to Long-Distance Caregiving in Richmond, VA

Millions of adults in the United States provide care for older loved ones. The majority live within close proximity of their parents. However, some may not be lucky enough to live nearby. Family members can then opt to manage their loved ones’ care from a distance, which often causes guilt. However, long-distance caregivers can use these suggestions to prevent the guilt from becoming overwhelming.

Establish a Caregiving Network

Managing two households miles apart is often not realistic. You may need to enlist the aid of other family members, friends, or professional in-home caregivers to provide care or be available to provide care as needed. Having other people who are willing to step in and provide assistance can alleviate stress if you cannot assume responsibility for the caregiving role as often as desired.

If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of home care service. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.

Make the Most of Each Visit

Adult children may only have the chance to visit their parents once a month or once a year. When you’re able to visit, make the most of the time spent with your loved one. Taking his or her abilities and interests into account ensures the days are more enjoyable for all. Older sports fans might enjoy attending live games with their families. Avid gardeners might delight in the chance to have new potted plants or assistance in the garden. Time spent with a senior loved one with dementia might include viewing photo albums together and listening to favorite music.

Schedule Care Plan Meetings

Once a month, schedule a meeting with the people who are providing care or who are in close contact with your parent. The meeting might take place in person, via a video chat, or on a social media platform. This way, you can monitor your loved one’s condition and address any needs that may arise. Social media apps enable family members to meet and discuss care even more frequently. 

In Richmond, elderly home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.

Stay Connected via Technology

Along with having care plan meetings, distant children and grandchildren have the opportunity to keep in touch with older loved ones by using computers, mobile devices, and smartphones. Video chats and social websites are ideal and inexpensive means of staying connected. Knowing distant family members plan on chatting or calling weekly can boost seniors’ mood, self-esteem, and self-worth.

Accept Your Limitations

The National Alliance for Caregiving reports more than 40 percent of long-distance caregivers alter their schedules to travel to and from older parents’ homes to provide care. Others aren’t fortunate to live close enough to make this routine sacrifice. Statistics indicate in both instances, caregivers feel they don’t do enough, and guilt develops. Accept the limitations that keep you and your loved one apart. 

Knowing a professional caregiver is assisting your loved one can relieve a great deal of the guilt you may feel for being far away. For many seniors in Richmond, VA, live-in care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Home Care Assistance, we extensively screen all of our live-in and 24-hour caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness. If you need professional home care for your loved one, our Care Managers are just a phone call away. Reach out to Home Care Assistance today at (804) 207-4746.

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