For most of your life, your parents cared for you, offering support, guidance, and love. Now, as an adult child of aging or ill relatives, it’s your turn to care for them. But what if you’re one of the millions who’ve flown far from the nest, starting a life in a different city, state, or country? How will you tend to your loved one’s day-to-day needs from a distance? The caring, compassionate caregivers at Visiting Angels Medina offer in-home elder care to residents throughout Medina County. Here, the team offers some advice on caring for loved ones from far away.

3 Ways to Care for a Loved One Who Lives Far Away 

1. Make a Plan 

Meet with siblings, relatives, and other caregivers to discuss your parent’s needs. Ask your parent for their input if possible. If your parent is living with dementia or is otherwise cognitively impaired, see if they have specified end-of-life preferences in a will. 

2. Collect & Organize Documents 

Gather and organize all documents like medical records, Power of Attorney, and Health Care Proxy. Compile a list of contacts for your parent’s medical team, including nurses, doctors, and specialists. Put the list of phone numbers in a prominent location so it is easy to find in the case of an emergency. 

3. Find People in the Community to Help 

Neighbors, friends, and people in your parent’s community will be valuable partners in the months and years to come. People you’ll want to connect with include senior center staff, elder care attorneys, and in-home care agencies. Elder care providers like those at Visiting Angels Medina provide companionship as well as practical help with important day-to-day tasks like running errands, monitoring medication, and preparing meals. 

Entrusting a loved one’s care to another isn’t easy. It’s important to find a trustworthy, respectful, and compassionate professional who will provide the assistance your loved one needs. Contact Visiting Angels Medina today. Call (330) 723-0300 to speak with a member of their kind and friendly staff, or visit their website to learn more about their services.