When you live apart from your loved one, there are few things more upsetting than finding out that they have a new health diagnosis that affects their quality of life. However, it is common for health issues to be discovered as a person advances in age that affect their ability to live independently. Fortunately, you can rest assured that your loved one will be okay by taking these steps to communicate regarding any necessary changes that will be required in their current care plan.

Get the Medical Details

Due to patient privacy rights, you may have to seek permission from your loved one to speak with their physician. Alternatively, as a medical power of attorney, you can skip this step if your loved one is unable to communicate. Knowing your loved one's accurate diagnosis and prescribed treatment plan gives you the ability to start planning now for senior healthcare services that will better fit their needs as their condition progresses.

Meet With the Current Caregiving Team

When your loved one lives at home, their caregiving team is a valuable resource that has helped preserve their health and safety. However, they may have recently noticed changes in your loved one's health that are associated with the new diagnosis and may signify a need for a change in their care plan. For example, progressive dementia may have placed your loved one in situations where their safety was at risk, even with another person visiting their home. Schedule a meeting with their current caregivers or ask them to email you their reports. This way, you can refer to these notes as you make decisions regarding their long-term care.

Explore New Options For Care

A serious long-term health diagnosis typically means that a senior and their families will need to plan for more intensive care to keep them safe. Live-in options such as nursing homes and assisted living offer senior services such as on-site medical care and assistance with daily needs, such as bathing, that improves the comfort and quality of life for seniors with serious health issues. Talk to your loved one about these options, and prepare to visit or take a virtual tour to help narrow down your options to find the perfect living community.

Transitioning your loved one to long-term senior care is possible when you live far away. However, it will take some phone calls and email conversations between you and their caregiving team. By staying proactive even though you may live in another state or country, you can ensure that your loved one has everything they need to manage their health and be happy.

For more information, check out websites like http://www.seniorsolutionsofli.com.