Taking Care of Your Elderly Relative When You Don’t Live Nearby
It’s hard enough to care for your elderly relative from a distance, but throw in a big winter storm and the job gets even tougher. Here are five ideas for ways you can make sure your loved ones stay safe, healthy and warm this winter, and brighten their days in the process!
1. Contract with service providers to arrange for walkway, driveway and stair clearing during winter storms. More than one-third of all people over the age of 65 fall each year, and the percentage is much higher in places with hard winters. Also, the risk of heart attack rises exponentially if the elderly do their own snow clearance. If your loved one is fiercely independent and balks at the idea of having this job done for him, make it a holiday present and explain that it’s really a gift to you to have the peace of mind!
2. Arrange for someone to grocery shop for your relative, or have groceries or meals delivered. A warm meal on a frozen day is a great way to say, “I love you!” Poor nutrition and malnutrition occur in 15 to 50 percent of the elderly population. There is a proven link between less-than-ideal nutrition and suppressed immunology, as well as increased incidences of depression. Keep your senior healthy by making sure he or she is eating nutrition-packed food regularly.
3. Prepare for power outages: Find a neighbor or friend of your relative who can check in to make sure your loved one is warm and dry in the event of a power outage. (If no person is available, make sure you have the local Sherriff’s number in your phone.) Stockpile blankets and flashlights, batteries and a battery-powered radio. Prepare for longer outages when the food in the refrigerator might spoil by stocking up on non-perishable food items. It’s also a good idea to have a portable charger for cell phones.
4. Stay in communication: Daily communication allows you to assess your relative’s physical and mental state, and is often an energizing morale booster during long dreary days. Use Skype, mobile phones and email to stay in communication. Video chatting helps your senior feel a part of your life, and gives you added insight into what might be needed on his or her end. Most grandparents love to see and hear their grandchildren!
5. Winterize the car: Make sure your loved one’s car is ready for winter before winter sets in. While driving on snow and ice isn’t really safe for anyone and should be discouraged, if conditions are clear but cold, it’s good for your relative to maintain a normal routine. Make sure he or she is safe by having the car inspected for wear on tires and have the anti-freeze flushed. The last thing you want is to have your senior stranded by the side of the road!
Bonus tip: If you are lucky enough to have an extended family who wants to help care for your loved one, SignUp.com can help you manage the tasks and who is responsible for them. Simply create a free online SignUp with every task on it. Family members and concerned neighbors can sign up 24/7 from their mobile devices and computers, and eCalendar syncing and automated reminders keep your relative top-of-mind!
