Tips for Long-distance Caregiving
If you live miles or oceans away from your loved one in assisted living or memory care, you want to ensure they’re getting the best care possible while maintaining your relationship. Here are some tips to help you as a long-distance caregiver.
Plan With Your Loved One
To establish the best plan that meets the needs of you and your loved one, you’ll need to agree on the following:
- Your loved one’s condition, such as if they’re experiencing forgetfulness or if they are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
- Your loved one’s preferences, wants, and needs.
- Your role, capabilities, and goals as their caregiver.
- Your loved one’s finances and long-term plans for healthcare, emergencies, and everyday living.
- How to keep and organize all important documents and passwords.
- Legal matters such as their last will and testament and who will be the power of attorney (POA) for healthcare and finances.
- Who can sign forms or share information with banks, doctors, hospitals, insurers, and utilities.
Assemble a Team
Even if you lived near your loved one, you’d still need a handy crew of people with defined roles in how they support you as a caregiver. Consider the following when establishing your caregiver support team and creating a thorough contact list:
- Counselors and therapists
- Family, friends, and neighbors near your loved one they are comfortable with
- Home care providers or senior living community associates
- Lawyers and financial professionals
- Local nonprofits or religious organizations
- Physicians and pharmacists
- Professional caregivers or social workers
- Transportation services
Collaborate, Communicate, and Connect
You’ll have peace of mind caregiving from a distance when you’re in the loop on everything about your loved one. Follow these tips for effective collaboration, communication, and connection with your loved one and caregiver support team:
- Establish a space for everyone to stay informed on current information about your loved one, such as appointments, contact information, medical conditions, prescription medications, and facts about themselves to deepen connections.
- Familiarize yourself with the community and local resources in the area where your loved one is living.
- Get tech-savvy to stay connected and ensure your loved one is safe with phone or video calls, video monitors, and wearable activity trackers.
- Set up regular check-ins with members of your caregiver support team.
Maximize Your Visits
When you live far away from your loved one, it’s not always accessible to visit often or for a long period, so when you do get the opportunity, make the most of your in-person time together:
- Avoid distractions or schedule time for them so you can give your limited time and attention to your loved one. Plan how you’ll use your time to be with your loved one and get anything you want to check off your list, such as checking in with caregiver support team members in person.
- Check for additional needs in assistance or services.
- Engage in special activities together to strengthen your bond.
- Enjoy traveling together and any holiday plans.
- Practice helpful communication skills and effective ways to introduce people to your loved one.
Expect the Unexpected
Be prepared for when accidents, emergencies, or major life changes come up for your loved one:
- Gather your options for travel and accommodations.
- Have items packed for an overnight hospital stay.
- Keep your caregiver support team updated with your loved one’s status and ways to reach you.
- Take advantage of your employer’s leave policies and work flexibility options.
- Understand how to move your loved one to memory care and the kind of things you need to pack for this new living arrangement.
Learn more about your options for memory care with individualized resources based on your needs through our 5-minute survey powered by Roobrik here.
At Life Enriching Communities (LEC), we’re committed to ensuring patrons feel well-equipped to plan their future and age how they wish. Explore more resources on senior living or contact us today to learn more about our legacy of services and programs that bring meaning and purpose to every stage of life.