Help From a Distance I am often asked by clients and audience members, "What can we do when our parents live so far away?" Living at a distance presents several challenges.
When you visit your parents for short periods of time, you may not be aware how they are managing their day-to-day lives. Can they still do the everyday household chores? What about seasonal demands of yard work, snow removal and regular upkeep? With increasing age and frailty, are they living safely, particularly if still in their own home?
Here are a few suggestions to consider when your parents are still managing well.
Set up easy lines of communication such as email, fax, or regular telephone visits. Offer to pay for these communication vehicles as special occasion gifts. A pre-paid telephone call makes a great birthday gift -- one that does not have to be dusted!
During a visit, get to know the community and meet the neighbors. Will they take your phone number and call you if they have concerns? Can you contact them, if you are worried?
Talk to your parents about services such as household maintenance, housekeeping, and transportation. A good place to find more about such services is with the local seniors' club.
Set aside time during a visit to make a list of important documents such as wills, health care directives, and powers of attorney. These documents can help your parent to "Decide for Yourself" (Learn more about this ElderWise Guide: maureen@elderwise.ca)
Talk about emergency response programs, particularly if your parent lives alone.
ElderWise Info
ElderWise Info is the newsletter that Maureen publishes with her colleague Mara Osis on their ElderWise website. [Click newsletter to go to the ElderWise website where you can read previous issues.]
If you want to subscribe for this free e-newsletter, visit www.ElderWise.ca and sign up.
Your Aging Parents
Your Aging Parents
Arriving at Shared Solutions for Housing, Health and Relationships Maureen Osis and Judy Worrell
Interested in learning more about the challenges and choices facing "Boomers and their aging parents"?
This book will help you
UNDERSTAND AGING - what's normal and what isn't, and how to adapt
BUILD RELATIONSHIPS - between family members and with the healthcare providers
PLAN AHEAD - to prevent crisis situations, and help your family make shared decisions that bring peace of mind
MANAGE HEALTH CONCERNS - to help seniors have productive and enjoyable lives, while dealing with common health concerns
