Caregiver Challenge: Long-Distance Caregiving

When a parent needs care, most of the day-to-day responsibilities tend to fall to the siblings who live nearby. As a result, caregivers who live far away may feel that they aren’t doing enough, but there are still plenty of ways to be involved. Far-off children can provide:

• Background support. Go online or make phone calls to research entitlement benefits, medical information or to line up services such as meal delivery or an escort to appointments. Volunteer to be the contact person to update family and friends. Arrange for automatic bill paying.
• Emotional support. If you call your sister to see how your dad is doing, remember to ask how she is holding up or if there’s anything you can do for her, too.
• Respite support. Arrange a visit home to coincide with the primary caregiver’s vacation plans. Spend a day or two learning the routine or any special care your parent needs, if necessary.
• Financial support. When you tote up the expenses for your parent’s care, take into account the costs your sibling might be incurring but not mentioning, such as gas to and from appointments, or even reduced income from working shorter hours.

If no one lives near your parent, consider hiring a Geriatric Care Manager—a specialist who helps families caring for older relatives with services like:

• Assessing your parent’s need for care (initially and ongoing)
• Arranging for and monitoring medical and personal care
• Assisting with legal, financial and medical issues, and helping to find resources and referrals
• Acting as a liaison with long-distance family members.

Learn more about our Geriatric Care Management services here or call 1-888-9-GET-HELP.