The Virtual Caregiver: Caring for a Texas Senior Long Distance

Caring for an aging parent or other senior family member can be stressful. According to research from the American Psychological Association, 80% of Baby Boomers report living with high levels of caregiving stress. When your older loved one lives in a different city or state, the logistics make the role even more difficult.

How can you keep an eye on them when you don’t live nearby? What can you do to stay involved in decisions? How can you show your aging loved one that you care when you can’t be there very often?

Fortunately, there are a variety of different technologies you can use to help you be a virtual caregiver. With careful planning, you can help your north Texas senior loved one maintain their independence longer.

Virtual Caregiver Technology

Phone calls aren’t the only way to stay in touch. Purchasing a tablet device can make it easy for you and your senior loved one to use a video chat service like Skype to keep in touch. It will allow you to chat “face-to-face” a few times each day. Doing so can help you spot potential problems like flushed skin that may indicate a fever or a disheveled appearance that might be a sign they are struggling.

When you can’t be in the house with your aging loved one, monitoring technology can make you feel as if you are. Here are a few to consider

• The VueZone Remote Video Monitoring System will allow you to oversee your aging parent’s activities by video feed on your computer. Small cameras are placed in the home to allow you to view your loved one throughout the day. It can give both of you peace of mind.
• The BeClose system is another one to consider. It works by utilizing carefully placed sensors throughout the home that send messages back to a central unit. BeClose tracks any usual activity and send you text alerts, emails and phone calls to inform you.

Creating an Emergency Caregiver Back-Up Plan

When you are a long distance caregiver, it is also important to have an emergency back-up plan. If your loved one develops a bad case of the flu or other medical emergency that requires extra help, having a plan in place is important. Our team of experienced, local care advisors can help you find an in-home caregiver or senior living community in the Dallas – Fort Worth area. Contact us at your convenience to learn more.

Senior Living Specialists is a free service for seniors and their families. We are compensated by a referral fee when a senior moves into a community or care home. Please call us today at 214-929-5055 to learn more.