Caring For Your Parents From Another Province

While spending more time with our parents as they get older is a common expectation, as they age, it becomes harder to take proper care of them when you live far away from them. Distance can be a huge factor in the connection between parent and child as both continue to grow older, but fortunately, there are still a number of ways to care for older parents with miles between you.

Fortune’s 7 tips for caring for elderly parents who live far away:

Build a care team

• Can be made up of family members, friends and neighbours

• Can be given contact info in case anything is amiss

Hire an aging life care manager

• Acts as your surrogate when you’re not there

• Can coordinate medical care

Use employer or insurer sponsored help

• Health plans can help connect you to companion care

• Companionship helps reduce isolation which can be harmful to health

Consider a home care aide

• Can be paid for by insurance but can get expensive

• Can be useful if full-time help is needed/if parent is homebound

Try an adult day centre

• Helps older people remain a part of the community

• Staff are trained in emergency care

Hire a personal chef

• Helps grocery shop, plan and cook meals

• Prepares meals to align with the stage of life

Check out volunteer programs

• Local organizations, schools and non-profits can help with regular check-ins

• May also be able to help with chores and errands

Use technology to help out

• Sensors and smart gadgets can deliver info directly to your devices

• Can help spot issues before they become larger

Caring for aging parents from another province requires thoughtful planning and the utilization of various resources. By building a care team, employing professional support, and leveraging technology, adult children can ensure that their parents receive the attention and assistance they deserve, fostering a sense of connection despite the physical distance.