With an ever changing society in which we live in and the dynamics of the family unity as we know it to be, we are continually changing and evolving on a daily basis.
We only have to look at our Grandparents or Forbears to see that this has been going on for decades even centuries, whereby for some families in order to survive or make a new life for themselves, would mean they would travel either interstate or halfway around the world to create a better life for themselves sometimes leaving the ones they love behind and the only form of communication they would have was a letter that was sent that usually would be sent by sea and taking weeks to get to them to update the family on how things were going. They would not have the luxury o f being able to go around to visit their family or to be able to attend family functions or have young children visit their cousins or grandparents.
Fast forward to the 21st Century, although we have a lot more things within our society to access in order for us to access better lines of communication between our family members. Below are some ways in which you can help a family member when you don’t live nearby:
- Phone/FaceTime/Skype Calls
By setting up a regular time where you call each other whether it be on a fortnightly or monthly basis just to check in with them to see how things are going, and most importantly making sure they are going fine no matter what the situation is.
- Local Support, Community or Sporting Groups
By having your family member/s being part of one of their local support, community or sporting groups they will form and develop friendships and go on outings or play in competitions within their local area. Over time if something was to go wrong they will have a support network in place until you and your family arrive to be of assistance to that family member.
- Doctor or Other Medical Support
If you have a family member who is either elderly or requires medical support in other areas of their live, by attending appointments with your family member when you are visiting them and explaining the current family situation to them can also help if there is a major emergency, say they were to have something life threatening like a heart attack. By having their local Doctor or Medical Support aware of your family members situation, they will be able to get in contact with you a lot easily if something were to go wrong.
Amanda Ogden is from Sydney Australia, and has spent the past 13 years working within the welfare industry in both administration and case management assisting people with mental health issues, mild intellectual disabilities, acquired brain injuries, drug & alcohol, homelessness gain employment. She also loves travelling, creating jewellery, music, friends and family.
Defying Shadows 