Distance And Caregiving Does It Work?
The sad truth right upfront is, distance caregiving is not a long-term solution. The reason is because a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias will eventually need a hands-on and full-time caregiver. In the early to mid-stages of the disease, which may be a few years, family members can care for their loved one with dementia from a distance. Paying bills, tending to matters that can be done through phone calls or email, arranging for friends or neighbours to accompany the loved one to appointments, etc…
As their disease progresses, a loved one will not be able to manage things by themselves. There may come a time when they won’t be able to cook for themselves, go to the grocery store, or be able to bathe themselves. Some people may even wander away, forget familiar places and people. As a distance caregiver, you will want to come to terms with this fact. And also to know your loved one’s current abilities so you can properly support them. Which could result one day in having to organize round the clock care.
Tips That Help
In my book Cracking the Dementia Code, I offer many tips to the long-distance caregiver. One new and upcoming technology is using a home security. What it does is it places sensors in the home and has the capacity to send an alert to any person near or far. These new types of systems can offer peace of mind when you’re not in the house. It seems there are more and more companies coming forward with this kind of helpful technology. Please contact me for more information.
There is also a joint effort program from the MedicAlert® Foundation and the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada called MediAlert® Safely Home®. This program gives families peace of mind for a safe return home if someone does get lost in the community. Find out more about this program here: http://www.alzheimer.ca/en/Living-with-dementia/Day-to-day-living/Safety/Safely-Home
It is not easy being a long-distance caregiver. There are many common emotional feelings attached with this role. Sharing your concerns with others will help you to not feel alone. You may also need to contact a professional to help with ideas for future decisions, and to help with transitioning. Feel free to contact us at Personalized Dementia Solutions 778-789-1496 as we would be happy to answer your questions and offer you suggestions for your situation.
Warm regards,
Karen 🙂
Karen Tyrell, CDP, CPCA
Personalized Dementia Solutions
www.DementiaSolutions.ca
