Long-Distance Caregiving: Ways To Care For Elderly Parents Living Far Away

Many people live far from their family or friends and require assistance. If you don’t live close by, you can still offer support as a long-distance carer. There are several methods to provide caregiving from a distance, including emotional support, scheduling medical appointments, researching community programs, visiting when possible to give day-to-day carers a respite, and managing finances. If you find yourself in a long-distance caregiving role, here are some resources and information to help.

To start with, organize yourself, make use of technology and resources that are accessible, and keep your eyes on the brighter side of life.

Long-Distance Carers Can Use the Following Tactics and Tools to Stay Connected:

• Make a list of necessary phone numbers and email addresses.
• Create a shared calendar online or in a smartphone app to help you coordinate with other carers.
• Engage in virtual meetings or conference calls with the staff of the assisted living facility or nursing home.
• Assist the senior in becoming familiar with the capabilities of their smartphone, including the ability to text and make video calls.
• If the elderly person is familiar with a computer or tablet, open up an email account for them and teach them how to keep safe online.

Concentrate on the Various Things You Can Do Remotely:

• Find a reliable housekeeper and plan weekly or twice-monthly visits to your loved ones.
• Call your loved one’s doctor for an objective assessment of any health difficulties and, if required, to advocate for the senior.
• Set up internet banking for your loved one’s accounts so that you may handle their bills from afar.
• Set up a food and meal delivery service. In today’s hectic environment, there are increasingly more options for healthy food or meals delivered to your house.
• If a sibling or other family member lives nearby and serves as the primary carer, arrange for a longer visit and offer to give that person an extended rest.

Those who provide care, whether local or distant, encounter many difficulties. Long-distance carers have special demands, which must be acknowledged, and it is crucial to provide them with the tools and assistance they require to carry out their responsibility of providing care.