Caregiving From Afar: 6 Ways to Help

GFROMATAN N STOHELD Are you one of the 7 MILLION PEOPLE providing long-distance care in the United States? Source: The National Institute on Aging aging loved one can be complicated Providing care for Here are some tips for making things easier on you and your family: Consider moving your loved one in with you. Save money by consolidating your family's carrying costs. This is less expensive than most Assisted Living options. Get the facts. Keep a record of your loved one's health issues, prescriptions and insurance & financial information. y Pa Laikr 10 3 Be in touch – often. Try to communicate everyday, being sure to check on your loved one's energy level and overall wellbeing. Talk with your loved one about day to day activities to check for signs of confusion or stress. Plan and budget for your travel. Plan and prepare for periodic visits. While you are there, assess your loved one's physical and mental well-being. Talk to neighbors, clergy and friends to get their perspectives. Identify the appropriate support services. Talk to family members about how the responsibilities can be divided. Consider a home health aide. Learn about sources of financial help. Contact your loved one's local Area Agency on Aging to identify resources that can help. If your loved one is a veteran, learn more about his or her VA benefit eligibility. liftsimpified caregiving www.liftcaregiving.com 2. CAREGIVING GFROMATAN N STOHELD Are you one of the 7 MILLION PEOPLE providing long-distance care in the United States? Source: The National Institute on Aging aging loved one can be complicated Providing care for Here are some tips for making things easier on you and your family: Consider moving your loved one in with you. Save money by consolidating your family's carrying costs. This is less expensive than most Assisted Living options. Get the facts. Keep a record of your loved one's health issues, prescriptions and insurance & financial information. y Pa Laikr 10 3 Be in touch – often. Try to communicate everyday, being sure to check on your loved one's energy level and overall wellbeing. Talk with your loved one about day to day activities to check for signs of confusion or stress. Plan and budget for your travel. Plan and prepare for periodic visits. While you are there, assess your loved one's physical and mental well-being. Talk to neighbors, clergy and friends to get their perspectives. Identify the appropriate support services. Talk to family members about how the responsibilities can be divided. Consider a home health aide. Learn about sources of financial help. Contact your loved one's local Area Agency on Aging to identify resources that can help. If your loved one is a veteran, learn more about his or her VA benefit eligibility. liftsimpified caregiving www.liftcaregiving.com 2. CAREGIVING