Orlando Home Care | Assessing Care Needs for Aging Parents When You're Miles Away

Mom and Dad live in another state. How will I know when they need help? Caring for parents when you live at a distance can be a challenge. Oftentimes, older parents won’t admit to needing care when they really need it, but there are a few ways you can assess their needs even when you’re miles away.

Assessment from a Distance

While having a plan in place will help your family prepare for the future, it can still be difficult to know how your parents are actually getting along day-to-day. When you can’t travel regularly to visit with your parents, the following tips can help you get a better assessment of their health and possible care needs:

• Maintain communication with your parents’ physician to stay apprised of any changes that might indicate a need for assistance. Keep in mind; you’ll need to sign a HIPAA Release of Information Form with your parents’ physician in order to discuss conditions openly.
• Check in regularly with your parents via phone or even Skype.
• Have a network of trusted friends or family members in your parents’ area who can visit with them from time to time, and let them know how to reach you should any issues arise.
• Stay in touch regularly with this network of friends. They can often help you recognize health issues as they arise

When you can’t be with your parents, Partners in Healthcare can provide the care and assistance they need. Our expert team can help you by:

• Doing an in-home assessment
• Monitoring your parents on an ongoing basis to identify changes in health or behavior
• Provide in-home care services based on your parent’s needs – light housekeeping, medication reminders, bathing/grooming assistance, transportation, meal planning, etc.
• Assisting with medication management
• Acting as a moderator or liaison for your family
• And more

Contact Partners in Healthcare today to find out how our in-home care services can help.

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