How To Help A Senior Loved One
From Far Away

Seniors are often able to live independently for many years after retirement, but sometimes older adults need assistance with everyday tasks or with keeping their health on track. If your senior loved one lives far away and doesn’t have anyone close by to help out, there are still ways you can make sure they’re safe and healthy. Technology can give you peace of mind even if you live across the country. There are several items on the market to choose from, so it’s important to make the right choice. This guide is meant to help you make the right decisions.

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Location Trackers or Medical Alert Systems

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If your loved one has a health issue or is living with dementia, you may be worried about their well-being when they leave the house. With a location tracker on their cell phone, you can monitor their whereabouts and make sure they’re safe. This is perfect for older adults who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and tend to wander or become disoriented. A medical alert system is a wearable alarm that allows your loved one to call for emergency assistance right away should they fall or have an accident. Keep in mind that with a location tracker app, your loved one will need to have their phone on them all the time for it to be worthwhile unless an additional bracelet or necklace is connected.

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Help Them Consider Their Options

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If your loved one is having trouble taking care of themselves on a daily basis, it might be time to consider another option. An assisted living experience can be a positive one for many seniors, as it allows them to focus on their health by utilizing the right diet, getting exercise or physical therapy, and participating in social activities. If your senior loved one wants a more social experience but also wants to retain some independence, assisted living might be the way to go, as it will allow them to get some help with chores and daily activities while living in a community. The cost of these two options varies across the US. As of 2018, the national median cost of assisted living was $4,000 per month, while the median cost for an assisted living experience was between $7,441 and $8,365 per month.

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At Accredited Home Healthcare Directory, we provide resources to help select accredited Home Healthcare providers so loved ones can age in place. Click here for an article on Why Accreditation Matters in such an important decision.

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Set Them Up with a Smartphone and Apps

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If the senior in your life doesn’t have a smartphone already, help them find one that works for their needs, and look for some apps that will help them stay safe and comfortable. There are several on the market made specifically for seniors, including some that act as reminders to take medicine and others that help older adults keep their minds sharp. Many of these apps are free and easy to use, but if your loved one isn’t experienced with a smartphone, you can look for online tutorials or a nearby class that will help them learn the basics.

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Help Them Stay Social

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If your loved one isn’t able to drive or has limited mobility, they may have trouble getting out of the house for social activities. You can help make this easier by looking online for senior transportation near them. Many churches and senior services offer rides to doctor’s appointments, church, or the grocery store, and some communities help older adults get out and about to events as well. So, talk to your loved ones about the places they’d like to go to most and help them find fun things to do in their community. Staying social is crucial for older adults as it helps to boost their mental health and prevents depression.

 

Thinking of ways to help a senior loved one when you don’t live close by requires some forethought, but fortunately, technology has evolved over the years to give us plenty of options for assisting older adults. Keep communication open with the seniors in your life to be alerted to their needs. It also helps to engage an ally nearby through a neighbor.

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The Team at AccreditedHomeHealthcare.Directory

Last updated 1/6/2021

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