Aging, a move often becomes quite traumatic. Sometimes, those moves can take you far away from your family and friends. If you end up being the caregiver for a senior family member, managing that distance can become a greater challenge. But, do not fret, with today’s technologies there are a few services, and options that can make your life easier. Certainly, stroke survivors, as well as other brain injured survivors are even more challenged, as are their caregivers.
You Could Connect Your Senior with a New Roommate
It turns out that aside from being entertaining, the Golden Girls were really onto something by choosing to live with roommates. When it comes to aging in place, getting a roommate can provide company and some peace of mind. With an additional adult in the home, you can rest assured that emergency services will be called if an accident or illness comes up unexpectedly. What’s more, having a housemate can also prevent feelings of isolation, which can lead to depression and other health problems for seniors. The current Covid-19 lock-down situation, while extreme, points to the positive reasons why having a house partner is beneficial. Worried about having another senior in the home with your loved one? Then why not consider a multi-generational roommate setup. With so many young adults searching for affordable housing, rooming with your older loved one could be a perfect option.
You Could Sign Your Senior Up for Local Grocery Deliveries
Good nutrition is key for healthy aging, so older adults need to have access to healthy foods in order to maintain their bodies and minds. If your aging family member can no longer drive or has other obstacles preventing him/her from getting to the grocery store, ensuring that access can be tricky when living so far away. Thankfully for seniors and family caregivers, delivery services from stores like Costco are becoming more common. You check each grocery store’s website to see whether delivery is available for your senior loved one, and you may even be able to have groceries delivered for free with qualifying purchases. For example, Costco typically offers free same-day delivery when your fresh food order totals $35 or more.
You Could Send Your Senior Some New Smart-Home Upgrades
Worried about keeping an eye on your older loved one from afar? Well, if you install a home security system, you don’t have to worry any longer. As long as your loved one is okay with it, you can use a smart security system to monitor for things like break-ins and fires, but some even come with video options if more intense monitoring is required. And don’t discount traditional home security methods. For example, you could have a contractor install security bars on the windows. Installation averages around $900, but you can expect to pay more for decorative designs and wrought iron.
Need a little less security but still want some peace of mind for your senior loved one’s safety? A video doorbell could be a solid bet for making life easier and safer while your loved one ages in place. With a video doorbell, your family member will not need to worry about getting up to answer the door every time it rings. Additionally, you can connect your smartphone so you can see who is at your loved one’s front door. Smarter lighting and other smart tech can also help seniors age in place.
There also are various services who monitor personal life protection equipment that seniors can wear on their bodies or place in the residence. These services who charge a monthly fee have no up-front cost and are unobtrusive.
You Could Ask Your Senior About Moving into a Senior Community
If you are worried about keeping your loved one from getting lonely and from being injured while aging in place, it may be time to think about whether a move to a retirement community is needed. While most people tend to think of nursing homes when they think about senior retirement living arrangements, there are other options that can ensure seniors stay connected and care for during their golden years. For instance, an independent living community can be perfect for older adults looking to live closer to other seniors but who do not require additional assistance or care. However, many independent living communities offer services to make the lives of seniors easier, and some also offer ways to transition to assisted living.
Taking care of a senior who is aging in place can always be a bit stressful. With the right technologies, services, and housing options, providing that care to seniors from a long distance doesn’t have to overwhelm family caregivers. So, give yourself some needed peace of mind.
Author: Claire Wentz
Caringfromafar.com
claire@caringfromafar.com
Photo Credit: Pexels.com
