Long-Distance Caregivers

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How to Get to Know Your Loved One’s Neighbors

Claire Wentz contacted me and asked if I would be interested in a guest post on caregivers. I said I would be interested if it is relevant to those of us Living with Kennedy's Disease or another type of progressive neuromuscular disorder. Below is an interesting primer on the subject along with links to additional resources. Thanks, Claire.

Summary

Caregivers ensure the safety, health, and happiness of those who cannot care for themselves. Many people find themselves in a caregiving position as senior loved ones age and develop common disabilities. If you are a caregiver for a family member that lives in another area, tap into the power of community to help. You may be surprised at how many neighbors are willing to lend a helping hand when it comes to caring for seniors.

What is a Caregiver?

When a person is unable to live alone safely, they often rely on a family member or loved one to step in as caregiver. A caregiver helps the person for which they are caring with the activities of daily living. They typically assist with basic living needs such as bathing, dressing, and grooming as well as any special medical needs. Caregivers are responsible for making sure there are meals prepared and that the person in need of care eats enough. They ensure that all housekeeping and transportation needs are met as well. Caregivers are also intermediaries between the cared and medical professionals-- doctors, nurses, specialists, etc. Furthermore, caregivers are a source of companionship for people. They help prevent loneliness and the medical complications that can result from it.

While people of all ages and conditions need caregivers, many people don’t find themselves in the position of needing one until they approach their senior years. As we grow older, health complications tend to increase. Because of this, older Americans are more likely to live with a disability than younger people. According to survey research from 2015, about a quarter (25.4 percent) of Americans ages 65 to 74 are living with a disability. About half (49.8 percent) of those ages 75 and older report living with a disability. Mobility problems are the most common health complication among older Americans.

When your senior loved one is incapable of taking care of themselves due to a health complication, it’s not always possible to pack up and move to where they live. In these situations, many people find themselves acting as a long-distance caregiver. As a long-distance caregiver, you face many challenges. Luckily, there are resources that can help.

It Takes a Village

We often here “it takes a village” in relation to bringing up a child, but the term can be equally meaningful when it comes to the care of seniors. America was founded on the idea that a person can be whomever and do whatever they want, which leads a lot of us to search for opportunities away from home. We don’t have the same cultural values as places like Japan, where children are expected to dutifully tend to their parents. It is possible to adhere to your American independence while caring for your older loved ones; it just takes some networking and creativity.

Organizations such as A Little Help connect seniors and their caregivers to the community around them. When the caregiver can’t be around to assist with certain activities, the service allows them to reach out to friends and neighbors who can. Organizations like A Little Help allow seniors with disabilities to maintain independence into their 80s or 90s, even when their primary caregiver doesn’t live in the same area. Beyond normal caregiving services, they can also help seniors with transportation, household and yard maintenance, and maintaining a healthy and active social life.

Beyond working with programs like A Little Help, long-distance caregivers can connect to their senior loved one’s community in other ways:

●     Plan a neighborhood potluck for the next time you are in town. Have neighbors and friends bring over their favorite recipes and set up some get-to-know-you games. Don’t ask for help during the party, but do have a guest book where people can log their phone numbers and email addresses.

●     Create a street or neighborhood Facebook group people can join. People are more likely to lend a hand if they know there is a network they can reach out to when they need one as well.

●     Go on walks with your senior loved one around the neighborhood. Stop and talk to people as you pass them walking their dogs or if you see them hanging out in their garages or front porches.

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 Should you wish to learn more, visit Caring FromAfar or email Claire by clicking on her name.