Many of us leave town for the winter while our aging parent(s) remain here. When you are here you actively help with Mom or Dad’s increasing needs. You take them to doctor appointments, help them manage their medicines, help them around the house and take them shopping.
If they have “in home care” you deal with any caregiver issues. You sub on those days when a caregiver calls in sick or quits abruptly. If your loved one has a chronic medical problem you are there for the more frequent doctor appointments, trips to the ER, ongoing treatments, etc.
Who does this when you are out of town? Are you comfortable leaving them alone? Can you deal with any problems remotely?
Is there a sibling nearby to take your place? Is there a family friend willing and able to help out?
At what point are your loved one’s needs are too complex to impose on a family friend?
Some families have decided to engage the services of a geriatric care manager (GCM) to be their eyes and ears when they are away. Most GCMs are medically trained professionals with expertise in this area. They check in on the loved one and deal with any issues that arise. They can accompany the loved one to doctor appointments and provide you with an accurate report. Importantly, they can inform you that you need to return due to the severity of the situation.
Adult children take comfort knowing that Mom or Dad is being well cared for. If a problem arises someone they trust will act on their behalf.
