Senior Care at a Distance: Can You Trust When Aging Parents Say They Are OK?

Since moving across the country, you’ve made it a point to call Dad every Sunday afternoon, no exceptions. After catching up on what happened over the last week, he always reassures you that yes, he’s eating well, getting plenty of rest, taking his meds, and doing just fine.

However, visiting him for a few days over the holidays paints a different picture. His once immaculate kitchen is cluttered with a sink full of food-encrusted dishes, junk mail and newspapers. The refrigerator contains spoiled and expired food. And most concerning of all, there’s a scorch mark on the countertop beside the stove.

For family members living at a distance from senior loved ones, these telltale signs that senior care is needed are often only evident during in-person visits. Nora Jean Levine, executive director from Caring From a Distance, advises adult children to, ‘Open your eyes. Try and really see what’s going on and not what you want to be going on.’ It’s vital to assess both the home and the senior himself (for signs of depression or confusion, bruises that could indicate falls, and other personality changes). And between visits, ask for the help of a trusted neighbor or hire an Aging Life Care Professional to keep an eye on the senior.

Most importantly, the best way to ensure frail older adults are safe and thriving is to partner with a professional home care agency, such as CareWorks Health Services. Providing senior care services such as transportation, medication reminders, assistance with meals and housekeeping, and friendly companionship can make a world of difference in both the life of a senior and the family who loves him. Our senior care aides are the best in Orange County, and we’re happy to provide peace of mind for families who live at a distance. Contact our senior care team today to learn all about our wide array of professional in home care in Laguna Woods and the surrounding areas.