This is the sixth installment in a series of blogs addressing planning for the future. Previous installments include: Aging Safely in Your Own Home: A Comprehensive Guide, Senior Living Options: In-Home Care vs. Assisted Living, Legal Considerations and Aging, Nursing Home Red Flags, Is it Time for Memory Care. Later topics will include: Navigating the Caregiver Journey: Resources and Practical Suggestions.
In this blog we will to discuss the unique issues when caregiving from a distance.
There are an estimated 5-7 million long distance caregivers in the United States
Long distance is defined as greater than 1 hour travel time away from the person who needs care.
As a long distance caregiver you may be simply keeping a watchful eye on a declining parent that is still relatively independent or you may be managing a team of caregivers and medical support services. Because of the distance, there are additional concerns such as:
- How is the person really doing? What are they not telling you?
- Are caregiver reports accurate? Are they receiving the quality of care you expect?
- What will happen in the case of a crisis? Who can get there fast enough to help?
Effective and regular communication is critical
- With your loved one’s permission, establish access to their medical team and make sure this is documented in writing with the medical facility so that medical personnel can legally communicate with you. If applicable, do the same for financial institutions.
- Participate in medical visits through telehealth or phone calls.
- Establish a regular communication method for other non-clinical members of the care team to ensure that everyone is on the same page. This may include: caregivers, housekeepers, friends, neighbors, etc. Identify a local point person that can alert you of any issues that may arise.
- Maintain regular and frequent communication with your loved one. This will enable you to notice changes that may be concerning or need attention and help to build a relationship that will allow your assistance to be accepted.
Make the most of your visits
- Visits are the best time to notice how your loved one is really doing, what they need, and if there are any signs of elder abuse.
- Talk to your loved one prior to the visit and find out what concerns they would like to cover and what they would like to do during your visit. For example, do they want the leaky faucet to get fixed, a caregiver issue resolved, or help with banking documents.
- Determine the most important issues to cover during the visit and make a plan. Be realistic about how much can be accomplished; over scheduling can create a stressful visit. You may need to prioritize and reserve some topics for a later visit.
- Consider having visits coincide with medical appointments so you can meet the individuals involved in your loved one’s care.
- Make contact with their neighbors and friends. You may need their help if there is a crisis.
- Do something enjoyable together. Don’t make it all about business.
Crisis Planning
- Keep an updated list of caregivers, neighbors, and friends so you know whom to contact in case of an emergency.
- Know who can get into their home if an emergency arises. Who locally has an extra set of keys to their home or the code to the lock box? If there is a burglar alarm, make sure you or a trusted local person knows the code.
- Investigate your workplace family leave policies. Do you qualify for unpaid time off under the Federal Family Act or other benefits? If a crisis arises, are you able to work remotely so you can be closer to your loved one?
Navigating the challenges of caregiving at a distance requires good communication and strategic planning. While physical distance may pose obstacles, by staying connected, remaining flexible, and prioritizing the well-being of your loved one, the distance can be transcended.
RESOURCES
Did you find this topic interesting? Below are more in depth articles.
- I Don’t Live By My Family But I’m A Caregiver – Caregiver Action Network
- Families Caring for an Aging America – The National Institutes of Health
- What Is Long-Distance Caregiving? – NIH National Institute on Aging
- Six Tips for Long-Distance Caregiving – NIH National Institute on Aging
- The Challenge of Long-Distance Caregiving – My Life Site
- Long-Distance Caregiving: 5 Key Steps to Providing Care From Afar – AARP
- Family and Medical Leave: How to Tell Your Boss You Need Time Off – AARP
Joanne Bedwell, PT is the Resident Blogger at Be Active Be Well. She lives and works in San Francisco with her husband and two (almost) grown daughters. Having over 25 years of experience as a PT, she sees clients in their homes and teaches fitness classes in person and virtually.
DISCLAIMER: This article contains information that is intended to help the readers be better informed regarding health and health care. It is presented as general advice on these topics. This article is not intended to be a substitute for the medical advice of a licensed physician. The reader should consult with their doctor in any matters relating to his/her health.
