Below is a timely guest post from Claire Wentz's website, www.caringfromafar.com, reprinted with permission.
Online Services and Tech to Save Long-Distance Caregivers
Time, Money, and Stress
Care from afar is something many of
us never thought we would have to
do. But, given the current situation, it may
not be safe to physically interact with our sick or aging loved ones. Thankfully, there are some ways you can use the latest tech to make your life
easier and your loved one’s life more comfortable, all while practicing social
distancing protocols.
Save on
Online Orders
Long-distance caregivers should check out this
Amazon shopping guide from Rakuten for advice
on saving with online orders from sites like Amazon. From utilizing Amazon’s
Bargain Bin finds to saving with Amazon Outlet to accessing the latest Amazon
promo codes, there are endless ways to trim costs when you ship new tech or household essentials to your
senior loved one’s home. Plus, you can combine those savvy saving moves with
cashback offers from Rakuten for even more savings.
Have
Household Essentials and Groceries Delivered
4 Generations in Pam's family, 2005 |
Another way you can keep your loved one healthy and happy from afar is by using online grocery delivery services from stores like Costco. Costco currently offers delivery to many major metropolitan areas, and you can have everything from paper towels to socks to fresh foods delivered to your senior’s home. Costco even offers same-day delivery for orders of $35 or more, which can come in handy when your loved one needs groceries for meals ASAP.
Research
and Compare Online Meal Delivery Services
In addition to grocery delivery services for
senior loved ones, you can also check into meal delivery options. Many meal delivery services offer special
menus for older adults, but at the very least, they can deliver healthy options
so your senior loved one doesn’t have to leave their home. You can use
introductory offers to save money on subscriptions but compare services to find
one that fits your budget.
Invest
in Technology to Enhance Overall Health
Amazon’s Echo device can prevent isolation,
but there are other tech tools you can use to protect and
provide comfort for your loved one. Fitness trackers can detect falls and
encourage your loved one to stay active, while monitoring systems can provide caregivers with
peace of mind. You can even use the Amazon shopping tips above to score these
tech tools for less.
Being a long-distance caregiver can be
stressful for you and your family’s budget. With the tech tools and online
services above, you can reduce some of that stress and ensure your loved one
feels safe and protected.
By
Claire Wentz, Creator of Caringfromafar.com