Tips for Long-Distance Caregivers

There are nearly 34 million Americans providing care to older family members, with 15% of those living one or more hours from their loved one. While long-distance caregiving may pose unique challenges for families, there are a number of ways to stay connected.

Tips for Long-Distance Caregivers

The following tips are intended to give you peace of mind while caring for loved ones from afar, highlighting how to make the most out of each visit, what information to keep handy, and other recommendations.

1. Important Information Tips

Gather important information and keep it handy, such as:

• Important phone numbers (local emergency contact, physician, neighbors, caregiver, pharmacy, 24-hour help lines, etc.)
• Social Security and identification documents
• Medical Information (medication list, allergies, insurance information)
• Legal documents (financial, legal, mortgage, checking and savings account information, etc.)
• Hurricane/tornado preparedness plan

2. Communication Tips

Keep in constant communication with:

• Physicians 
• Neighbors, relatives, and peers
• Local caregivers
• Community organizations (churches, peer groups, etc.)
• Trusted professionals (lawyers, financial advisors)
• Your loved one! Make frequent calls and/or send letters to update him or her about your life and ask about his/hers
• If your loved one is tech-savvy, utilize webcams and programs such as Skype or Google+. These are fun and easy ways to keep in contact with loved ones from a long distance.

3. Visiting Tips

Make the most out of each visit by:

• Schedule appointments with physicians, lawyers, and financial advisors.
• Make yourself an authorized contact for any medical, legal or financial matters.
• Keep up-to-date with records or paperwork that may need attention. 
• Meet with neighbors, peers, and local caregivers to determine whether they have noticed any changes in behavior & health or have any other concerns.
• Assess your loved one’s living situation. Are there home safety concerns? Does your loved one have enough food, supplies and other necessities?
• Review medications and ensure they are taking them as prescribed.
• Most importantly, put business aside and spend some quality time with your loved one. While all else is necessary, enjoy the time that you have with each other. Go for a walk, play a game, listen to music, etc.

Contact Sonas for In-Home Personal Care Services

If you or an aging loved one are considering in-home personal care services in Florida, contact the caring staff at Sonas Home Health Care. Call today (888) 592-5855.

Jillian Miller BSN, RN

Director of Nursing at Sonas Home Health Care

This blog was reviewed by Jillian Miller BSN, RN — Director of Nursing for Sonas Home Health Care’s Tampa Bay market — for clinical accuracy. Jillian Miller has been a nurse for 16 years — working primarily in pediatrics. She believes the best part of working with the pediatric population is when you see smiles from clients when you first enter the room. She loves seeing the difference you can make in families’ lives while providing the best care possible for them.