Caregivers in Gulfport FL: How Do You Keep in Touch with Your Loved One When You’re Away for Respite Time?
You’ve finally decided that it’s time for you to take some time away from being a family caregiver, but you’re worried about keeping in touch with what’s going on back home. These ideas can help.
Don’t Contact Your Loved One Every Day
It’s only natural to worry about your elderly loved one when you’re way from her, but you don’t have to contact her every day. In fact, some experienced caregivers might even tell you not to contact your loved one at all. Make sure that your backups have your contact information in case of an emergency, but otherwise enjoy your time away so that you can get a true break.
Send Post Cards
Post cards or letters are a fantastic way to let your elderly loved one know that you’re thinking about her and that you care about her, but they don’t pull you back into what’s going on right now. Your loved one might hate the food that your backup made and when she gets your post card, she’s not going to be able to complain to you right then. It’s a way for you to reach out safely without having to solve a problem.
Call Periodically According to a Schedule
If you can’t go without checking in to see how everyone is doing, do so according to a set calling schedule. You might want to choose to call every other day at a set time, for example. This allows you to assuage any worries or feelings of guilt for being away while still accepting that you’re taking time away. You might want to choose your calling times for moments you know your loved one is asleep, for example, especially if she’s upset that you’re not there.
Use Video Conferencing Tools
Video conferencing tools are an excellent choice if you’re going away for the first time and you’re worried that your loved one isn’t going to do well. This way you can see each other to check in with each other. If your loved one has issues such as dementia, this can help her to feel more connected with you than a phone call can.
Always use your own best judgment when it comes to contacting your loved one when you’re away. But try to remember that you’re taking time away to give yourself a break.
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Caregivers in Gulfport, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.
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Becky Moultrie is Owner and Administrator of Assisting Hands Home Care Serving Pinellas. Guided by a motto to Do Good with Love, she’s well positioned to do just that at Assisting Hands. She has a passion for helping families keep seniors and those who are diabled happy and healthy at home. She serves on a number of boards in Pinellas County including the Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber and Better Living Seniors (BLS), leading the Membership Committee. Annually, she hosts a Silver Santa Party, collecting donations for nearly 100 low income seniors in the county. She attends Blessed Sacrament Church, Seminole where she is an Ascribed Member of the Rosminian Order. When not busy Doing Good in the community, Becky is at home with her husband David & their 4 children, tending to their beehives and digging in the garden.
