In 1987, 8.5 million elderly lived alone; by 2020, 13.3 million elderly will live alone. These elderly may suffer if they don’t have face-to-face interaction with others or if they don’t have measures in place to handle emergencies. As a child or caring relative or friend who lives too far away to care for your loved one in person, there are steps you can take to help from afar (and give you peace of mind).

Develop a support network of people living close to your loved one. Discuss this with your loved one in order to compile a list of neighbors, friends, and other relatives living in the area. Contact those people to request their support. Ask them to keep in contact with the person not only via phone but also by sharing meals, visiting, taking them out of the house, etc. Provide those in the network with your contact information and ask that they get in touch with you if any concerns (you can offer to have them call you collect) – let them know that you may contact them occasionally to see how they feel your loved one is doing. Suggest to your loved one that they give a copy of their house key to a close friend or neighbor in case he needs assistance and can’t open the door. Ask a member of your support group to monitor the smoke detector(s) and carbon monoxide detector(s) changing the batteries twice a year (and have them check to confirm your loved one is able to hear the alarms); have them also keep the fire extinguisher current and accessible. In addition to a support network, various agencies offer services for the elderly such as chore services, visitor services, etc. (the agencies and amount of support can vary by location). Agency information can be found at http://www.eldercare.gov/Eldercare/Public/Home.asp or by calling 1-800-677-1116.

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Long Distance Care (page 2)

Did you know that even an inactivated cellular phone could be used to make a 911 call? Make sure your loved one not only has a cellular phone but that they keep it charged and with them at all times (they can place the charger by their bed for recharging nightly while still keeping it within reach). If he doesn’t have a cellular phone, there are recycling programs that receive donated cellular phones, recondition them and then provide them to those in need (http://www.usedcellphones.com/index.cfm among others). You may also find used cellular phones at your local thrift stores, flea markets or garage sales. Another option is providing your loved one with a portable panic button such as Mobile 911 offered by ADT (visit www.adt.com or call (877) 259-8439 for further information).

Taking measures to keep your elderly loved one safe across the miles is critical but so is showing them you care thru phone calls, letters, gifts and visits when possible. Cheerpax.com offers affordable care packages intended for those who cannot easily leave their home.