You’ve been trying to help your mom from a distance. Your busy life with work and family responsibilities at home only allows you to see her a few times a year. But, mom’s health is declining, and it’s threatening her independence. It has you constantly wondering, “Should I convince her to move closer to me?”
The Challenges of Long-Distance Caregiving
According to Aging Care, by definition, a long-distance caregiver is someone who lives an hour or more from their care recipient, but research shows that the average long-distance caregiver lives 450 miles and approximately 7 hours away. Nearly half (47 percent) of long-distance caregivers are likely to report high emotional stress compared to caregivers who live with their care recipient (43 percent) or nearby (28 percent). Caregivers who live more than an hour away also report higher levels of financial strain (21 percent).
If you’re experiencing these challenges, it very well might be time to talk with Mom about moving closer to you. When you do, she’s probably going to express why she’s hesitant to move. Some common objections you might hear from an aging parent who doesn’t want to move are:
- She doesn’t want to be a burden to you and your family
- She enjoys her friends and activities
- She’s concerned about the financial impact of moving
- She’s comfortable with local shopping, banking, and other services
- She’s worried about leaving behind trusted doctor’s and other healthcare providers
Addressing Her Concerns
Based on your conversation with your mom, you now know her concerns. It’s going to take time on your part to do some research, but part of deciding if you should convince your mom to move closer to you depends on finding her solutions to her concerns.
For example, alleviating her and your concern about her being a burden can be lessened by showing her some of the senior adult communities near you. You both can be secure knowing that she’ll maintain her independence and can still enjoy living alone.
You can also find senior activities that she would enjoy. Reinforce that she’ll make new friends and that you’ll teach her how to stay in touch with her old friends back home through social media.
Address her financial concerns by assuring her that you’ll help her set up banking accounts and that you’ll also assist with bills if that’s a concern for her. Offer her assistance taking care of things like selling her home and lining up movers. Also, let her know you’re there to help her tie up loose ends, like canceling existing service providers, doing a change of address for mail delivery, etc.
Finding her new healthcare providers can help you over a large stumbling block. Most seniors feel comfortable with their doctors and place a great deal of trust in them. Ease both your minds by checking out local healthcare providers for her, like those specializing in geriatrics or chronic medical conditions.
Going to Move an Aging Parent Closer to Home? We’re Here to Put Your Mind at Ease
If you convince your mom to move closer to you, you’ll be assuming more responsibility for her care and well-being, but you don’t have to do it alone.
AmeriCare Plus, Virginia’s premier personal care and live-in agency, can offer your loved one professional care delivered with compassion. We have over 25 years of experience serving Virginia’s senior population through our 10 locations.
Our companion care services can help your loved one make a smooth transition to their new community by providing:
- Conversation and company
- Cleaning and laundry assistance
- Light cleaning
- Meal preparation and shopping
- Medication reminders
- Errands and transportation
Contact us today and schedule your free in-home care assessment. Let our experience help you provide your loved one with the assistance they need. We’re committed to providing the highest quality care for your aging parent and taking pressure off of you.
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