If you’re a caregiver, you already know that it can be challenging to keep up with your loved one’s needs. Things can get even more complicated when they live in a 55+ community, but it doesn’t have to be. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to make sure your loved one has the care they need while still being able to live independently in 55+ communities:
Have A Plan
A good plan will help you stay on track and keep things in perspective. It could be as simple as jotting down the times of your weekly phone calls or making a list of reminders for various errands or tasks.
This should include events that are likely to happen, such as scheduled doctor’s appointments or sports games and activities, but also events that might not occur immediately (but still need to be planned for). For example, if you know that there’s a hurricane looming offshore—and it’s possible that this could cause power outages—you may want to ensure that your loved one has enough food and water stored up before the storm hits.
It also helps to have a plan in place for when things don’t go according to schedule: road closures due to weather conditions, delays caused by accidents, mechanical failures with public transportation systems…the list goes on! For example, if you’re visiting from out-of-town and have booked flights which leave earlier than expected due to flight delays caused by bad weather conditions (or any other unexpected event), then having a backup plan will help reduce stress levels when trying navigate through unfamiliar surroundings without having been able to coordinate travel arrangements ahead of time.
Learn About The Community
It is important to get to know the place and its residents. The more you know, the better prepared you will be for an emergency.
You should become familiar with common rules, regulations, and routines at the complex. Learn where all of the emergency exits are located. Take note of areas that may pose potential dangers for someone who is elderly or disabled (elevators that don’t work). Get to know some other residents in case they need assistance during an emergency—these people could prove invaluable in helping your loved one get out safely if necessary! You should also take time to get acquainted with any resident services offered by the community, such as transportation services or social clubs, so that, if needed, your loved one has access to these resources when required.
Get Involved With Your Loved One’s Hobbies And Interests
The next step to being a good long-distance caregiver is to get involved with your loved one’s hobbies and interests, no matter how small. The more you know about what they like to do, the better off you will be at helping them stay happy and healthy. For example, if your loved one loves gardening and growing plants, you could help them by watering their plants while they are away on vacation or visiting friends or family members. This will give them peace of mind knowing that their garden is being taken care of while they’re away from it!
Another way you can get involved in your loved one’s hobbies is by joining in with them! If your mother loves knitting sweaters for her grandchildren, why not invite her over for tea so she can teach you how? Or maybe she’s always wanted someone else besides herself to take care of her horse—if this sounds like something that would interest both of you, then sure enough, now would be the perfect time for him/her.
Conclusion
Being a long-distance caregiver means knowing when to ask for help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s OK to ask someone else to step in and help. You can also talk with your loved one’s caregivers about their needs and how you can help them. It’s important not just for your peace of mind but also for the health of your loved one.
