When you care for an aging parent who lives out of state, you can never be overprepared for an emergency. Even a minor injury or illness can leave you scrambling to communicate with physicians and nurses while trying to ensure your loved one’s safety upon his or her arrival home from the hospital or emergency room. While you can expect a few challenges during the first few days following an emergency health situation, here are a few tips that can help you manage your parent’s long-distance care.
Have an Emergency Care Action Plan
Before an emergency occurs, it’s best to already have a plan in place. Identify people who can be sources of support, and compile a list of their phone numbers. Then make sure each person on the list has a way to contact other members of your support network. If your loved one has current health conditions that could lead to the need for emergency care, make sure each member of your team understands your parent’s diagnosis, current medications, and the proper first aid techniques to keep him or her safe until emergency personnel can arrive.
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality home care service. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
Communicate with the Medical Team
One of the biggest challenges of long-distance emergency care is communicating with the medical team at your loved one’s hospital. Make sure you’re listed as the emergency contact in your parent’s health records, and consider appointing an additional caregiver who can stand in for you during your absence. When your loved one is ready to leave the hospital, speak to a discharge nurse, who can provide you with the appropriate instructions for after-care.
If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of senior home care. Rhode Island Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services.
Plan for Post-Hospital Care
The first few weeks after being discharged from the hospital are crucial for your loved one’s recovery. Using the discharge instructions given to you by the medical team, make arrangements to ensure your loved one takes medication on time, has transportation to and from medical appointments, and has a safe way to maneuver throughout the home. You may also want to consider a local home care provider who can provide post-hospital care to further maximize your loved one’s safety and comfort. When you take the time to plan for your loved one’s care before, during, and after an emergency situation, you can ensure everyone on your support team understands how to help your loved one have the best possible recovery until you can be there.
Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Rhode Island seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver. Home Care Assistance will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (401) 284-0979 to learn more about our customized care plans.