Your mom is getting older, but you live on the other side of the country and cannot check in as much as you’d like. You can call her on the phone, but that doesn’t give a full picture of how she’s doing. How can you help her when you can’t visit more than once or twice a year?
Ask What Help Is Needed and What Your Mom’s Goals Are
When you have the time, set up an online conversation or plan this when you’re in town. Gather all family members and talk to your mom about her goals as she ages. Does she want to live at home or downsize? Is she finding it harder to take care of herself and her home? What help does she need?
A comprehensive list of the things your mom needs help with makes it easier to decide what to do next. It gives insight into how often she needs assistance, whether it’s every day or once or twice a week.
Create Schedules Family Members and Close Family Friends Can View
Once you know where your mom needs help, use an online service like Google Calendar to create a to-do list your mom follows each day, week, and month. Note the things your mom cannot do without help.
Anyone living nearby can look at what’s needed, determine if they’re available that day, and offer to help out. They can note they’re taking care of it, so you can view what is and isn’t being done and figure out how to fill the gaps where no one is able to help.
Consider a Medical Alert System
A medical alert system is helpful if your mom has an emergency. If she falls and can’t get back up, she can push the button on her bracelet or necklace and get help. Some systems have fall detection and GPS tracking, too.
Set Up Online Bill Pay
Use online bill pay to make sure your mom has someone paying the bills regularly. Teach her how to use it, if possible, and set up automatic payments for things like rent, a mortgage, or insurance premiums. That way bills get paid on time and there’s no risk of late payment fees and cancellations.
Look Into Meal Subscriptions
Can your mom still cook? If so, she may benefit from a meal subscription service where the groceries she needs are all included in a box with recipe cards. Everything is organized and included in one box for the week.
If she has a hard time slicing meats and vegetables, look for subscriptions that do the prep work, too. All she’ll need to do is sauté’, bake, or broil items as directed.
Arrange In-Home Care Services
It may be better to arrange in-home care aides to cook meals, clean your mom’s home, and help her remember when to take her daily medications. In-home care aides can help her pay bills, organize her mail, and schedule doctor’s appointments and prescription refills. You’ll know your mom has the help she needs, even if you’re hours away and can’t stop by.
If you or an aging loved one are considering in-home care in Cape Carteret, NC, please contact the caring staff at East Carolina Home Care today. New Bern area: (252) 814-6289, Morehead area: (252) 240-1234.
Providing quality home care for seniors and families in and around Vanceboro, Havelock, Atlantic Beach, Newport, Harlowe, Emerald Isle, Cape Carteret, Otway, Harkers Island, Davis, Pine Knoll Shores, Fairfield Harbour, Trentwoods, James City, New Bern, Morehead City, and surrounding areas in North Carolina.
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