STRONG ROOTS BLOG
Long Distance Caregiving
Some caregiving situations require the services of a long distance caregiver. According to the National Institute of Aging, a long distance caregiver is someone that lives an hour or more away from a person who needs aid.
What are some of the roles of a long distance caregiver? Depending on the relationship, some duties may include home care, money management, medical correspondence with professionals, legal paperwork, medicinal disbursement, emotional support, family informant, etc.
By: Rachel Poe
Some caregiving situations require the services of a long distance caregiver. According to the National Institute of Aging, a long distance caregiver is someone that lives an hour or more away from a person who needs aid.
What are some of the roles of a long distance caregiver? Depending on the relationship, some duties may include home care, money management, medical correspondence with professionals, legal paperwork, medicinal disbursement, emotional support, family informant, etc.
Having recently been the daughter of a long distance caregiver, I received some recommendations and advice for anyone that may be starting or struggling with the process of long distance support. These can be used by both long distance and nearby caregivers!
Learn the health issues that you are caring for. While medical professionals have been well trained, it is important to do your fair share of research to understand emergency situations, possible side effects, signs of medical progressions, and terminology so you can articulate to someone about their needs. Organizations like the Red Cross (and others) offer classes that may be able to help educate on some care procedures, first aid, emergency actions, or health diagnosis information.
Gain knowledge or access to personal accounts. While this may depend on your relation or position with this person, it is critical to gather an idea of their estate preparation, lists of bills and subscriptions, set up dual authorization on accounts, and ensure their accounts remain in good standing.
For example, if you are the caregiver to someone who can no longer drive, this should be a flag to revisit insurances, car payments, radio or toll subscriptions, etc.
Create a contact list! This is important for both yourself and the individual you are assisting. Keeping a proper record in phones, on the fridge, on the door, etc. can be a time and stress saver if a specific person or company is needed. Likewise, keep a calendar specific to your person’s schedule! This can include appointments, visiting days, deliveries, due dates, payments, medicinal reminders, etc.
Because caregiving may be required from out of state, it is a good idea to get to know the community, neighbors, doctors, etc. within the area of your person. Many older individuals remain in their location due to having an emotional attachment or living in the same house for years. Identify those that interact with your relative on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Again, get and share contact information, ask them to glance at the lawn, see if the car has moved, lights are changing in the house, etc.
In addition to #4 - find ways to be present even though you are not physically present with a person. Ways to do this include connecting them with family members and close friends through basic social media. Invest in something like a GrandPad or IPad that allows simple communication and keeps them involved in information and with family.
I have personal experience with a GrandPad and they are a great tool for keeping communication simple, easy, and efficient.
Set up a visiting schedule with your person; put in on their calendar. This not only gives them reliability and a schedule, but also gives them something to look forward to. In addition, create time blocks on your calendar to call them throughout the periods that you are not visiting.
For example - if you visit them monthly for a week at a time, use those other three weeks in the month to call “x times” a week to check in.
Take advantage of services! Do not feel like you have to do it ALL! Take a look at your budget and the budget of whom you are caring for. Do they have any recurring services in place that can help? Lawn? Cleaning? Pet Walker? Is there an opportunity for pre-made meal delivery? Discuss these things! This can also go hand in hand to your community outreach in #4. Delegating or hiring out those monthly duties listed can not only be a time saver, but will also allow you to spend quality time for the period you are visiting.
Resources: (This is not an all encompassing list, but merely some ideas to get you thinking of some services near you!)
Hello Fresh - food delivery
Home Chef - food delivery
Schwans - food delivery
Rover.com - pet walkers
Angie’s List - repairs, maintenance, lawn
Care.com - cleaning, general care, errands
While every caregiving situation is unique, it is important to grasp that you are not alone. Hopefully some of these tips have resonated with you; feel free to reach out to us if there are additional recommendations we can add. Above all, seek out your family, community, government, and local resources to see how you and your loved ones can increase support for your needs.
So Long Summer Slump, School is in Session
Summer's end is here and school is back in session! Is your family prepared? It is important to reflect on this unique summer and prepare both yourself, parents, and students for the upcoming months ahead.
By: Rachel Poe
Summertime, a period full of pool floats, travel, and leisure. Summer 2020 still captures these activities…inflatable kiddie pool on the porch, frequent travels to the fridge, and leisure aka quarantine. Regardless of how one spent this extended summer vacation, it is now time for parents and students alike to prepare for the upcoming school year. Those not involved directly with schools, the time is now to refresh horn honking and practice your road rage speeches.
Jokes aside, the next couple weeks is a crucial time to prepare for the upcoming time, mental, and monetary commitments that are approaching with the reintroduction of schools. With the majority of schools having closed for summer early, it is important to start considering the process of transition as we come out of a longer duration of summer vacation. Whether in grade school, college, or continued education, keep reading for some tips to help get back in the swing of things.
Fill the Well
One of the most important things to do when preparing for any type of event change in your life is to fill your cup. Mentally preparing for the change before it comes will aid in transitioning period. Whether this is taking a weekend to relax, reading scripture, diving into a book, connecting with family, or going dark on social media, use this time to connect with yourself. Think of it this way, if your glass is empty, you are not setting yourself up to pour into the glass of your children, spouse, coworkers, etc.
Get Ahead
As financial planners, you may think this comes easy for us. In reality, trying to plan at the last second is stressful and inconvenient. Our “trick”, plan in advance! There are many ways this could be taken: planning out vacation days, finalizing a chore chart, beginning morning/evening routines, deciding snack staples, discussing carpool, library visits, or scoping outfit/supplies selections. Carving out the time associated with your particular school will help transition students into school schedules. Whatever this looks like for you, beginning the steps to answering some of these questions may help relieve some of the stresses associated with “Back to School” festivities.
Make it Fun
While parents may be more excited than children to head back to school, do your best to get them pumped! Specifically with COVID, this may be a time to highlight the ability to see friends, meet new teachers, begin some school activities, etc. One way my mother would help boost school would be through shopping! Although I had uniforms, we would partake in Tax Free - Back To School Holidays as a time to get new supplies and deals for school. Specific states like Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon don’t charge sales tax statewide. It is important to look into your specific state to see if you are able to take advantage of any back to school events. Get creative - use this time to take some lessons learned during the break to jump start the school year!
Lastly, in a previous blog post, 5 Benefits of Budgeting, I go through some core reasons to begin the budgeting process. With school expenses including supplies, technology, outfits, food, etc. it is never to late to begin getting your expenses in order.
Contact us today to learn more about how to start!
- 401k 3
- Amy Irvine 7
- Ann Arceo 2
- Becky Eason 3
- Benefits 6
- Budget 2
- Budgeting 7
- Business Owner 6
- Business Planning 5
- Caregiving 2
- Cash Flow 7
- College Graduate Finances 4
- College Planning 8
- College Savings 5
- Debt Management 5
- Disability Insurance 4
- Employee Benefits 6
- Estate Planning 5
- FAFSA 1
- FIRE 2
- Finance 4
- Finances for Kids 2
- Financial Goals 12
- Financial Independence 2
- Financial Wellness 7
- Health Insurance 6
- Inexpensive Activities 1
- Insurance 3
- Investing 2
- Kate Welker 14
- Kerrie Beene 6
- Life Insurance 3
- Long-Term Care 2
- Medicare 2
- Quarter Buck 12
- Rachel Poe 1
- Retirement Planning 2
- Security 3
- Spending Plan 3
- Student Loan 3
- Student Loan Tips 5
- Student Loans 5
- Tax Planning 3
- Taxes 7