Long-Distance Ways to Show Elderly Loved Ones You Care

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Feb 14, 2022

This is a troubling time to be apart from our loved ones, especially those we know might need our help. However, many families are in this very position. Our senior friends and family members may be unable to get groceries, run errands, or simply see others without fear of getting sick. Meanwhile, travel puts us at risk of spreading COVID-19 across state lines and exacerbating the issue.

Fortunately, we are in an era more connected than any before, and there are a ton of virtual ways to show you care, no matter the distance. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Hire Services

You may not be able to help directly, but you can hire someone to go in your stead:

• Hire a handyman to tackle little fixes and home maintenance.
• Check the forecast in your loved one's area, and hire a dog sitter or walker for days with inclement weather.
• Find a landscaper in their area who can mow their lawn and one that specializes in backyard landscaping o keep their yard looking well-kempt.
• Your loved one might be struggling with self-care or with tasks around the house. If so, hire an in-home caregiver to help them out.

Offer Advice

Age brings wisdom, but even older people sometimes need help working out major decisions:

• Is your loved one unsure how to grocery shop safely? Help them figure out which delivery services will deliver to their home.
• The isolation and stress that COVID-19 is causing might wear on your loved one. Encourage them to consider teletherapy if their mood is low.
• If your loved one needs more income or is considering moving, help them figure out how much they could make from selling their home.

Foster Connections

Distance doesn't mean you can't stay connected:

• If they have a smartphone or tablet, you can use video chat to see one another.
• Regular phone calls are also a great way to keep in touch and make sure they're doing well.
• Finally, consider becoming a pen pal with your loved one. After all, everyone loves to get a letter!

Help Them Find a Safe and Comforting New Home

Of course, there may come a point when your senior loved one can no longer live safely in their home. While you should never push them to make the decision to move to a care facility, you can gently start a conversation about why you think making this transition will be in their best interest.

We may not be able to be there for our loved ones in person, but that doesn't mean we can't be there at all. Focus on what you can do from where you are, and look forward to the future, because one day, we can all be together again.

This article was provided by Lucille Rosetti, a contributing author, and is brought to you by the Ronald J. Fichera Law  Firm, where our mission is to provide trusted, professional legal services and strategic advice to assist our clients in their personal and business matters. Our firm is committed to delivering efficient and cost-effective legal services focusing on communication, responsiveness, and attention to detail. For more information about our services, contact us today!