Being a caregiver is stressful enough, but if you can’t be there with your senior on a daily basis you might find that you’re experiencing a lot more stress than you bargained for in the beginning. There are some steps you can take that can lower your stress levels, though, and it’s worth trying a few of them.
Find One Safe Spot for Paperwork
Paperwork is a big deal when you’re a caregiver. When you’re a long-distance caregiver, it can be even more important. Find one safe spot where you put all the paperwork related to what you’re doing for your senior. Then, when you need something, you know where to start looking.
Get Some Backup Arrangements Going
Because you’re farther away from your senior, you need backup plans for your backup plans. If there’s an emergency, is there someone local who can step in until you get there? And how are you going to get there? It’s important to think about all of the different contingencies that you can so you can put at least partial plans in place.
Consider an Alarm for Your Senior
Personal alarm systems and home alarm systems have come a long way. They can do a lot more now than simply protect her home or alert someone that she’s fallen. They can be a lifeline and can allow first responders to know in advance whether your senior is responsive or not and exactly the type of help she needs.
Find Resources Local to You and to Your Senior
Local agencies are a great source of help, both for you and for your senior. Even though you’re a long-distance caregiver, there may be agencies local to you that can help you to navigate what you’re dealing with on a daily basis. The agencies local to your elderly family member can help her in more tangible ways.
Put Some People on the Scene
You may also want to hire home care providers for your senior. People who are actually right there with your elderly family member can see things that you might not even think to ask about, which can be immensely helpful to you. They’re also able to offer hands-on assistance for your senior as she needs it.
There’s no wrong way to be a caregiver, but if you’re finding that you’re more stressed than you expected, there might be reasons. Try some of these ideas to help you to feel a little more on the ball with everything that’s going on.
For Caregiver Services in Germantown TN, please contact the caring staff at Personal Care Services MidSouth today!