On the Line with Naeema Dangor
What is a long-distance caregiver? A long-distance caregiver provides care for ageing parents and relatives from a distance. In today’s world, opportunities often lead people away from their homes, sometimes to different provinces in the country or much further to other continents.
As such, they cannot supervise the welfare of family members. Caregiving often depends on the needs of the individual. It can range from someone who sees to their basic needs to extensive maintenance such as in-home support. If needed, they can be admitted into homes and institutions that cater to their requirements.
Therefore, a long-distance caregiver is defined as someone that provides the elderly with help and assistance even though they are not in the same geographical area.
It is a daunting task for most people but not an impossible one. Naeema Dangor of the Islamic Care Line shared insight and advice on how family members can ensure their elder relatives are cared for when they are not around.
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Shifting Between Roles
There are multiple ways family members can contribute to the welfare of their elderly. They can ensure they are financially supported, delegate tasks such as transportation and home maintenance, and at the very least, stay in constant communication with them.
“Mostly, they just want you to speak to them. Because, like I said in the beginning, older people … Actually they [are] really lonely, they need people to talk to them and to be there for them. So just a phone call which is so important, to show you care and just so that they know that you’re there for them … Even if you’re long distance, there are so many ways that you can offer your support and help to them,” Dangor said.
Social media has enabled families to communicate instantly with their elders. It makes it easier for them to know and arrange whatever they need, whether at home or elsewhere.
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Choosing Alternative Care
Suppose the elderly do not have people to properly care for them, such as siblings and adult children. In that case, professional organizations can be considered, such as Age in Action and Nature’s Hand, who will offer professional help and assistance.
However, Dangor states that it is essential for family members to conduct extensive background checks on organizations which care for the elderly. Family members must be attentive to the safety of the environment, the organization’s emergency response, and the staff’s training and experience.
Dangor said, “Nowadays, you have to be so careful. We have to do our research on these elderly facilities because lots of abuse can take place there. So, it’s important to look around and do your research before you place them in these facilities.”
