Caring for Aging Parents From a Distance

Independence is among the most valuable virtues for a senior. According to the American Association of Retired Persons, almost 90 percent of seniors prefer to age in their own place instead of moving to assisted living or a retirement home. In 2010, 11.3 million older adults chose the independent lifestyle, and the number has grown significantly ever since. But living on your own often risks making you become isolated: the lack of social activities and direct contact with others prompts the elderly to become shut-in, further accelerating their separation from the outside world. This downward spiral must be broken in one way or another. Friends and family members should keep in touch with their beloved elderly regularly, but there are other means to look after them.

A long distance is often the reason why relatives withhold their visits for only special occasions such as birthdays and holidays. But the truth is the elderly need a healthy dose of social interaction on a daily basis. Unfortunately seniors often won’t admit this fact and try to justify their reclusive lifestyle with an array of excuses. Hiring a nurse or caregiver to check on your aging relative could break their hermit-like way of life. Even if they don’t actually need any assistance with their everyday tasks or to get by, they’ll grow to enjoy the presence of someone who listens to them. Knowing that the caregiver will visit them from time to time lifts a senior’s spirit and the good mood prevents them from being depressed. Additionally, the hired caregiver will notice if their health or hygiene levels suddenly drop.