According to the American Geriatrics Society’s Health in Aging Foundation, roughly 5.1 million Americans are long-distance caregivers. They care for loved ones and live at least an hour’s drive from the individual they provide care for, usually their parents. Many of these caregivers also work and are raising children at the same time—juggling all three roles. If you are caring for a loved one from a distance, here are 9 tips for long-distance caregiving. They are sure to help you through this sometimes-overwhelming time.
Long-distance caregiving tips
1. Maintain Regular Communication
When you cannot be with your loved one in person, your next best options are a phone call, video chat, email, or text. They are all easy to do, and once set up, with little training, it is smooth sailing. As it turns out, seniors are much more tech-savvy than we give them credit for.
2. Plan Routine Visits
In most cases, your loved one is not going to share that they are afraid to drive at night. They may try to hide from you that they can no longer keep up with home maintenance. Chances are, they do not want to worry you. So, when you visit, in addition to spending quality time and providing emotional support, do a little detective work. If you see tasks that need to be done, do them or hire someone who can.
3. Give Friends and Neighbors a Heads Up
If your loved one has close friends or neighbors, ask them if they can help keep an eye out. This could include watching to be sure your loved one picks up their mail or gets out of the house as usual. Perhaps they could even check in occasionally. The idea is to have them reach out to you if something does not look or feel right.
4. Ask for and Accept Assistance from Others
Often, it takes a village. That is why engaging family, friends, and neighbors in specific regular tasks is a great solution. They can provide companionship and help with grocery shopping and other chores. They can even provide transportation when needed. The key is to create a schedule. And always have “backups” for those times when a regularly scheduled person needs the day off. Family members who live too far away to help in person can still provide long-distance caregiving. They can pay for weekly housekeeping, grocery or meal delivery, home maintenance, or other support for which they can hire a service.
5. Take Advantage of Technology
Personal Emergency Response Systems are medical alert systems designed to help people who live alone call for help if needed. By just tapping a necklace or bracelet, a message is sent to an emergency service. Today, smartphones and watches also have the same capabilities. Fast response is the key in an emergency. Falls are the #1 cause of injury-related death for adults 65 and older, and getting prompt medical attention is critical.
6. Establish a Communication Plan
Communicating freely is the key to ensuring your loved one is always supported. With all the communication tools available today, keeping everyone aware of what is going on and when they are needed is easy. Add everyone to an email, text, or shared document; one communication does the trick.
7. Plan for Emergencies
It is better to have a plan and never use it, than not to have a plan when you need it. So, to be sure everyone involved is aware of what to do and who to contact in the event of an emergency, create a plan and make sure everyone understands it. Your plan should include details like contact information for emergency services, as well as doctors and all family, friends, or neighbors who should be informed.
8. Coordinate Medical Care
We all need an advocate and a second set of ears when it comes to our health care. That is why at least one family member should coordinate with your loved one’s healthcare providers to stay informed and assist with decisions. HIPAA forms can be requested from doctors or the hospital. It allows healthcare professionals to discuss your loved one’s medical information with you freely. Although they might have given their doctor verbal approval, a HIPAA form is the only way to guarantee you will get all the information.
9. Know what local resources are available
For more help than family, friends, and neighbors can provide, look at the local care and services available. Eldercare Locator and the National Council on Aging are excellent places to start. Local assisted living and memory care communities are perfect for respite stays. Most towns have adult daycare, senior centers, meal deliveries, and more. These are all excellent options that can help when you cannot.
Need a better solution?
Often, caring for an older loved one from a distance is too much, regardless of how large your support group is. Whether you live an hour away or out of state, time constraints, stress, and guilt take an emotional and physical toll. The financial stress is also real with long-distance caregivers. An AARP study revealed most caregivers are spending an average of $7,242 annually on care-related expenses—many spending far more. For this reason, more seniors and those caring for them are choosing assisted living or memory care communities.
An assisted living or memory care community can make all the difference for caregivers and those being cared for—who usually live alone. Assisted living and memory care communities, like The Cabana at Jensen Dunes, in Jensen Beach, FL, understand and cater to older adults’ physical and emotional needs. They are places where residents can enjoy the friendship and support of peers, be social, thrive, and have the care they need now and in the future.
To learn more about The Cabana at Jensen Dunes or to schedule a private tour, give us a call at 772-758-1003.