Managing a Loved One's Care
Long-Distance Caregiving
These days, a lot of families live far apart. As a result, some caregivers take care of a loved one who does not live in the same city or state. If you care for someone who lives far away, it can cause a lot of stress. You may worry about your loved one’s safety and health. The fact that you can’t be there when your loved one needs you might even make you feel guilty.
If you have a network of friends and helpers in the area, they may be able to help you by checking on your loved one. Your loved one may enjoy the visit. And, it can help keep you aware of your loved one’s needs and any safety issues.
Here are some questions that may help you evaluate your loved one’s care:
- Is your loved one eating healthy meals?
- Is the house safe and clean?
- Are the bills paid?
- Do friends and family visit often?
- Does your loved one need help with tasks like bathing or dressing?
- Is it still safe for your loved one to drive?
Some caregivers do not have a network of contacts where their loved one lives. When this is the case, it can be harder to take care of your loved one’s daily needs. Whether you have a network of contacts or not, it may be helpful to take some of the following measures:
- Get in touch with the county office of senior services where your loved one lives
- Contact the US Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116. This service can give information on services by ZIP code. Click here to go to the US Eldercare Locator.
- Get in touch with a local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. Often, they can connect people with the help and support they need. Find a chapter.
- If you can, try to work with a health care manager. Geriatric care managers are health care providers who work with families to help plan and manage older peoples’ care. Learn about care management.
- When you visit, it may help to ask your loved one’s doctor about local services for older people