As your parents grow older, you may find it challenging to support them if you live far away. The distance can make it hard to stay on top of their needs, but with the right approach, you can still provide the care and support they need. At Winnwood Retirement Community, we understand how difficult it can be to balance your own life with the desire to care for your aging parents. Here are four practical and reassuring ways to help you stay connected and ensure their well-being, even from afar.

1. Stay in Regular Communication

One of the most important things you can do from a distance is maintain regular communication with your parents. Frequent phone calls, video chats, or even simple text messages help you stay involved in their lives and allow you to check in on their well-being. It also reassures them that, despite the distance, you are always there for them.

How to Make It Work:

• Set a regular schedule for calls, such as a weekly video chat or daily phone check-ins.
• Use technology to your advantage—set up video calls on platforms like Zoom or FaceTime to stay connected face-to-face.
• Send letters or care packages for a personal touch that can brighten their day and make them feel cared for.

At Winnwood Retirement Community, we encourage regular communication between residents and their families. We offer easy access to Wi-Fi and technology to help residents stay connected with their loved ones.

2. Arrange for Local Help

While you can’t physically be there all the time, you can still ensure your parents have the support they need. Hiring local services or enlisting trusted neighbors can give you peace of mind that your parents are healthy and being cared for in your absence.

How to Make It Work:

• Set up regular housekeeping, meal delivery, or transportation services to help with daily tasks.
• Get to know their neighbors or nearby family members who can step in during emergencies or check in on them periodically.

At Winnwood Retirement Community, we offer a range of services designed to make life easier for our residents, from transportation and housekeeping to personal care support, so you can rest assured your loved one is well looked after.

3. Stay Involved in Healthcare Decisions

Managing healthcare can be one of the more complex aspects of supporting aging parents, especially from a distance. Staying informed about their health, medications, and doctor’s appointments is crucial to ensuring they receive the best possible care.

How to Make It Work:

• Ask your parents for access to their medical records or make arrangements with their healthcare providers to keep you in the loop on treatments and appointments.
• Offer to help schedule doctor’s visits or medication refills, even if it’s done remotely.
• Consider asking your parents to sign a healthcare power of attorney, allowing you to make important medical decisions on their behalf, if needed.

At Winnwood Retirement Community, we partner with residents and their families to coordinate healthcare services, ensuring that each resident receives the care and attention they need. We’re here to help facilitate communication with doctors and specialists.

4. Make Visits Count

When you do get the chance to visit in person, it’s important to make the most of your time together. These visits are a great opportunity to assess how your parents are doing, ensure their living space is safe and comfortable, and enjoy quality time without focusing solely on caregiving tasks.

How to Make It Work:

• Use your visits to review your parents’ health, home environment, and emotional well-being. Check for any changes in their mobility, mood, or habits that may signal they need more support.
• Discuss their future needs and wishes in a relaxed, open manner. This can help ease anxieties and create a plan for more assistance if needed.
• Spend quality time doing things they enjoy—whether that’s cooking together, going for a walk, or reminiscing about family memories. It’s important to balance caregiving with moments of joy and connection.

At Winnwood Retirement Community, we offer a warm, welcoming environment that makes visits enjoyable for both residents and their families. Our comfortable accommodations and vibrant community ensure that every visit feels like a special occasion.

Thoughtful Planning and the Right Resources

Supporting aging parents from afar can feel overwhelming at times, but with thoughtful planning and the right resources, you can provide meaningful care no matter the distance. Regular communication, local support, involvement in healthcare decisions, and intentional visits all play a key role in making sure your parents are happy and healthy. 

At Winnwood Retirement Community, we are here to support both our residents and their families, offering the peace of mind that your loved ones are in good hands. With our range of services and warm community atmosphere, we make it easier for families to stay connected and engaged, even when miles apart.

To learn more about what life at Winnwood is really like, check out our resident’s account: ‘A Day In the Life of an Independent Living Resident at Winnwood.’