Frustration: Not being able to be there with your senior as her health worsens is a problem that many long-distance caregivers face.

Frustration: It’s frustrating and it can even be scary, especially when you’re not sure you’re getting all of the information that you need about how your senior is doing. Try some of these ideas and see if they help.

Take Time for Frequent Check-ins with Your Senior and Others

Scheduling check-ins, both with your senior and with other people who can help you to stay informed, can help more than you think with your frustration. You may not be there in person but hearing from people who are, allows you to express your concern and get reassurances in return. It’s also just a good feeling to be able to touch base with people that you care about.

Ask Her Doctor to Keep You Updated

It’s also a good idea to talk to your senior’s doctor and to request updates, if possible. As her primary family caregiver, your senior may have already listed you as a contact for this type of information. Hearing straight from her medical team about what’s going on can be reassuring as well.

Schedule a Trip to See Her in Person

When you live far away from your elderly family member, it can be difficult to schedule a trip as often as you would like. That’s especially true when you have obligations of your own right where you are. Talk with your employer about any leave benefits that you might have access to during this time. There may also be other types of assistance that can make a trip more likely. Even if the trip has to be a short one, being there in person can help you to get a better idea of what’s happening.

Frustration: Hire Elderly Care Providers

As your senior experiences difficulties with her health, she may find that lots of normal daily activities are more difficult. You might not be able to help her yourself with those tasks, but elderly care providers can help to alleviate the frustration. They can also give you an accurate description of what your elderly family member needs and how you might be able to help a little more effectively.

Long-distance caregiving has its challenges, but there are ways that you can be there for your senior, even if that’s mostly in spirit. When you can be there with her, make the most of that time for both of you.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable Elder Care in Braselton, GA, and surrounding areas. Call (770) 965.4004 for more information.

We provide home care in  Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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