Question

Mary is a 60-year-old woman who lives alone in the Midwest and works full time. Mary has a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but so far is able to manage it with medications and lifestyle. Her parents Steve and Joan (ages 88 and 85, respectively) live in Florida in their own home. When they moved to Florida more than 20 years ago there were many retired couples nearby, but the neighborhood is changing and has more working class families with young children now. Many of their old friends and neighbors have died or moved. Joan had a stroke several years ago and has right hemiparesis. Joan can do most of her own ADLs with minimal assistance; however, Steve helps her with showering and dressing. He also helps with all Joan’s IADLs, and does all the cooking, laundry, driving, shopping and managing finances. Mary talks with her parents several times each week. She has noticed that her dad seems depressed and his short-term memory has gotten worse. She is concerned about his ability to continue to care for her mom, take care of household tasks, and pay bills. Mary has broached the possibility of having Steve and Joan move to a retirement community near her, but her dad insists that he and Joan are managing just fine. Mary is concerned about their health and safety, but she doesn’t know what to do.

What are some issues with “long-distance” caregiving?

Student provides detailed answer to case study questions related to issues with distance care-giving, use of smart technology to provide care, and concerns/other assessment recommendations with rationale supported by references.

Answer 1

1. Knowing When You’re Needed…and When You’re Not

Although it may be tempting to jump in the car (or on a plane) every time your parent or elderly loved one brings up a problem or complaint, it’s hardly reasonable. Your own perception of the problem – not to mention fear – often clouds the issue and makes it seem more detrimental than it really is. Ask yourself:

• Is my parent’s health at stake?

• Can the issue be resolved with a phone call?

• Will traveling to your parent’s home provide a long-term solution or just temporary comfort?

2. Fighting Feelings of Guilt

Whatever the circumstances keeping you apart from your loved one, you likely feel resentment and guilt. While these emotions are natural, they are unproductive and self-destructive. Keeping in touch with your loved one on a regular basis is a vital way to combat these feelings. Having a trustworthy caregiver is also imperative. Using a homecare agency that offers ClearCare home care software is the best way to monitor your loved one’s care and stay completely involved.

3. Utilizing the Right Resources

Long-distance caregivers often have trouble finding appropriate resources for their loved one. This is not only frustrating, but it can take up time you really don’t have to spare. Knowing who and where you can turn to for help is essential. A local geriatric care manager can help you with decisions, but it’s also critical that you keep close in touch with the supervisors from the homecare agency you’ve chosen. They will answer your questions regarding ClearCare’s software and help you get the most out of their innovative services.

4. Finding Your Balance

You may be a long-distance caregiver, but you are likely also a spouse, parent, and employee. You have numerous responsibilities – in addition to those related to caregiving. Feeling overwhelmed is natural – you’ve got a lot on your plate. But finding the right balance is essential. You won’t be of any use to your aging parent, your family, or yourself if you burn out.

Reaching out for help is the only way you can maintain the proper balance between your personal life and your caregiving responsibilities. ClearCare’s caregiver software allows you to check on your loved one’s care at any time –and you also have the reassurance of knowing you’ll be alerted if there is a problem. This confidence will lessen your anxiety and let you focus on your own life and family.

5. Feeling “Out of the Loop”

A chief complaint among long-distance caregivers is feeling they are not really a part of their loved one’s care. You may wonder if your parent is being properly cared for, and if decisions regarding his care are the ones you would make. ClearCare’s web-based technologies allow you to bridge the distance between you and your loved one, putting your doubts to rest.

When circumstances prevent you from personally overseeing the care of your loved one, it can be very comforting to know that there are homecare solutions available to monitor your relative’s care. Even if you can’t physically be there every day, ClearCare’s homecare software makes it possible for you to feel as if you are.