How to Get Help from Long-distance Family Members
Elderly Care in Forest Park GA
Family caregivers need help from whatever quarter they can find it and that can frequently mean getting help from family members who don't live nearby. To be effective at getting help from long-distance family members, however, you might want to keep these tips in mind.
Keep Them Updated
If your long-distance family members don't know what is going on regularly with your elderly loved one, chances are they'll feel disconnected from the entire situation. Bring them closer to the situation by keeping them updated with how your loved one is doing and what's going on in her life. You can do this in a variety of ways. A weekly phone call works, as do private family Facebook groups, blogs, or even family newsletters. Find the best way to keep your long-distance family members in the loop and make sure you continue to use it.
Find Out if They Can Visit
Often long-distance family members haven't visited in a while. Find out if or when they are planning a visit back so that you can plan appropriately. It's entirely possible that you may be able to take advantage of the visit to take care of some of your own needs while your long-distance family members visit your loved one. If they're not comfortable completely on their own with your loved one, you can always stick around or even schedule elderly care providers during those visits.
Ask if They Can Handle Other Tasks
Long-distance family members may be able to handle quite a few different types of tasks both for you and for your elderly loved one. They may be able to make phone calls that take too much time away from what you're doing, keep the family newsletter or blog updated, or even help out with managing other aspects of your loved one's life. These activities can make a big difference for both you and for your elderly loved one.
Periodically Review What Your Long-distance Family Members Can Do
Just because your long-distance family members can't help right now, or can't help with a specific task, that doesn't mean that will always be the case. Let them know that you'll check in with them again in a few months. Life brings changes along with it and in a few months' time, your long-distance family members may have more spare time or may be dealing with other changes. Keep in mind that this can apply to family members who are able to help you now, as well.
Getting assistance from long-distance family members isn't as difficult as it might first seem.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Forest Park, GA or the surrounding areas, contact the caring staff at Right At Home of East Atlanta. Call today (678) 712-4002.
