You live too far from your parents to visit often. You have the flu, shingles, or some other illness and have to stay away from their house until you’re feeling better. For whatever reason, video chats are the only way you can keep in touch with your mom and dad for now. Don’t expect them to always go seamlessly.
You have to find humor in the different issues that arise during video chats. They happen to everyone.

Elder Care Santa Rosa CA – Find the Humor in Video Chats
He Has No Idea What He’s Doing
Video chat may be a new technology for your dad. If he’s not quite used to the software, expect to walk him through it a few times. He may sit too close to the camera so that his head is cut off or you’re looking at his nose. He might be on mute so you can’t hear him. These are all easy fixes that he’ll learn to avoid as he becomes experienced.
The Unexpected Visitor
You and your dad are chatting and your cat jumps up onto his keyboard and disconnects the call. This is a common problem pet owners face. He could shut the door and keep his cat out during the call. If that’s not possible, moving the keyboard out of the way while chatting will keep the cat off of it.
The same goes for dogs. If someone’s dog starts barking or brings a toy to play, it’s best just to give the dog some attention. Your dad can toss a ball a few times and present a chew stick or toy before resuming the video chat.
Internet Lag and Dropped Signals
If your parents don’t have the fastest internet service, there may be a lag. You’ll see your parents freeze, move in a glitchy manner, and return to normal. You can either deal with it or aim for video chats at less busy times of the day.
You may find an early morning call works best. Chat while you sip your first cup of coffee. Other busy times are often in the evening as kids do their homework, TV shows and movies are streamed, and you’re catching up on personal emails. If your parents are up late, try chatting after the kids are in bed.
Are your parents all alone during the week? Do they have anyone who stops in to make sure they have enough food and necessities? If their heating system stops working, would they know what to do to get help? Elder care helps give you peace of mind that your parents are cared for throughout the week.
If they only have someone stopping by on the weekend, elder care is important. Rather than wait a full week to get help, any issues are addressed quickly. You’ll know if your parents’ health changes. You get a call if your parent needs additional care services, too. Call our elder care specialist to make arrangements.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Elder Care Services in Santa Rosa CA, call At Your Service Home Care. Call today! (707) 573-1003
In 1988, after working as a clinical nurse in the University Health System at UC San Francisco, Lucy Andrews started understanding home care.
She became a discharge planner and immediately fell in love with the concept of home care and the autonomous clinical practice it affords nurses. Dr. Lucy was hooked and has been a strong supporter of home care ever since.Believing people need advocates in healthcare systems, she has championed that cause across the acute care and post-acute care setting.
Dr. Lucy has worked in every aspect of home care from Medicare Certified, DME, Infusion, Hospice and finally Private Duty/Private Pay services. She also works as a home care consultant across the country and as a legal nurse consultant for the home care industry.
Having worked in all areas of home care, Dr. Lucy has a well-rounded perspective of the challenges facing patients, families and the home care industry, and as a provider she advocates for patients through the maze of health care services. Dr. Lucy celebrated over 37 years as a nurse and patient advocate.
Dr. Lucy has a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from Lewis University, Romeoville, Illinois.In 1994, she received her Masters of Science in Health Service Administration from St. Mary's University, Moraga, California. Dr. Lucy received her Doctor of Nursing Practice awarded in 2016, graduating with Distinction and a 4.0 GPA.
She did her doctoral work on the global dementia crisis, aging and prevention strategies for healthy living. Developed dementia and Alzheimer's disease plans for aging patients leaving the hospital setting or entering long-term care or home health and hospice environments. She also developed a specialized program for those at risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
In 1992, Dr. Lucy was designated CAHSAH Certified Home Care Administrator in the inaugural offering of this designation through the California Association for Health Services at Home (CAHSAH).
She is the founder and CEO of Creative Solutions Home Care Consulting Services and At Your Service Nursing & Home Care, a concierge nursing & home care agency that provides the services she believes are essential for seniors to age in place.She offers a higher level of care allowing people to be in their own homes with an emphasis on independence, safety, and quality of life.
Dr. Lucy is the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC) and sits on the Board of Directors for California Association for Health Services at Home (CAHSAH).
She has served on the boards for both state and national board associations, and is currently on the following boards and committees: Board of Directors, California State Association for Health Services at Home (CAHSAH), 2002-present, National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC's) Private Duty Home Care Association Director, and multiple state and national home care committees.
Dr. Lucy goes to Washington, DC, several times a year to advocate for senior services and home care issues. She was past Commissioner for the Sonoma Commission on Human Rights.She is past chair of the local Senior Advocacy Services.
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