Senior Care: Building a Village From Afar

Caring for an aging loved one from afar is never easy. While there are many things you can do, such as handle their finances and coordinate cleaning and lawn services, there are plenty of others you can’t. You need a set of eyes and a pair of hands there with them. The easiest way to do this is by building connections with your loved one’s neighbors and community.
 
Senior-friendly upgrades can be expensive, so your loved one will most likely need to move if their current home isn’t up to par. They should consider how much they can make by selling their current home. With this knowledge, they can determine how much they can budget for a smaller home and what will be left for future medical bills. If your loved one is moving into a more senior-friendly home, then they will need extra help making connections in their new community. 
 
To help you help your loved one, Mentors of Bethany In America shares the following advice.
 
Find a group that connects neighbors
Your aging parent isn’t the only person in his or her town that lives alone. Senior isolation is a common issue, but one that can be rectified with a little research. Thankfully, according to New  Dream, there are several neighborhood platforms to bring neighbors together. The most popular is Nextdoor. You can help your loved one get connected to these groups by simply searching online for what’s available in their area. 
 
Another great option is to use a site like ClassFinders to help your aging parent connect with friends in the area they lost touch with after high school. Whether they went to school in Omaha proper, or a nearby city like Papillon, La Vista, Ralston or Springfield, your loved one can easily find an old friend when they search by school name. 
 
Join the area’s Facebook page
 
Type their neighborhood name into your Facebook search bar. If they have a Homeowner’s Association or live in a named subdivision, there is likely an existing group. This is an exceptional way to identify neighbors and keep up with events in the area. Being active on their community Facebook page is one way to help keep your loved ones safe. Your loved one will soon learn the value of social media and how it can help connect them to neighbors and family.
 
Make introductions when you’re in town
 
When you don’t live nearby, you have to utilize the time you are in town as effectively as possible. And while hostinga neighborhood dinner might not seem productive, it’s one of the best ways you can make your introductions. Send the neighbors a handwritten card letting them know you’ll be in town and would love to meet them. Exchange numbers and ask if they would be willing to keep an eye out on your behalf once you leave. The neighbors can look for disruptions in your elderly loved one’s patterns. For example, they can let you know if their door is left open. Good neighbors are a great support network.
 
Call the local senior center
 
No matter where your loved ones live, there’s probably a senior center just a few miles away. Make a phone call to the one nearest your loved one’s home and explain your situation. They may be able to point you in the right direction of individuals or agencies that can offer additional assistance. Most senior centers can provide transportation to and from events, and many offer rideshare services to help get back and forth to doctor’s appointments and the grocery store. Elders’ Helper reports that some of these community-oriented organizations can even help provide home maintenance and health and wellness seminars and services.
 
Medical alert devices
 
If you’re worried about what may happen to your senior loved one when no one else is around, a medical alert device could help alleviate some of those fears. Although most devices allow seniors to press a button in the event of a medical emergency, others are monitored by a team and can detect when someone falls. Not only will this provide you with some peace of mind, but it can also be a life-saver following a dangerous injury or accident.
 
Discuss your concerns with your loved one’s church
 
If your loved one is a member of a congregation, reach out to the church’s pastor. He or she may not be aware that there is a need for companionship and socialization. They can provide your contact information to other church leaders who you can contact in case of an emergency.
 
From wellness checks to changing light bulbs, you will need help. Don’t be shy about introducing yourself to the neighbors. Not only will you benefit from the peace of mind, but you never know who lives next door — there may be another lonely senior in need of a friend. 
 
 Author: Gwen Payne

​Gwen Payne is a stay-at-home mom with an entrepreneurial spirit. Over the years, she has mastered raising her two daughters while side hustling to success through small ventures based on her passions -- from dog walking to writing to eCommerce. With Invisiblemoms.com she hopes to show other stay-at-home parents how they can achieve their business-owning dreams.