Caregiving from a Distance
Yes, you can participate as a caregiver from a distance, but helping with the care of a loved one can be a challenge. However, there are options so that you can provide care and support for a loved one and the primary caregiver if your loved one is at the stage where they need help. How can you help?
The first thing that you need to do is to figure out your strengths and where you are limited. Think about what you’re good at and how that strength can help in this situation. Perhaps you’re really good on the phone or computer; finding vital information or keeping other family members up-to-date on the family. Maybe you’re good at organizing and supervising.
Or, maybe you’re great with numbers. You can offer to keep track of bank statements, review insurance policies and write the checks for the bills if Mom or Dad live alone. If your finances are in order, you can even pay some of the bills yourself. You don’t need to live in town to do any of those things. Just be sure that if there is a primary caregiver on hand that you coordinate things properly.
What about your limits?
Everyone has limits. What are yours? For example, how often can you come in and visit your parent or parents? Can you coordinate a visit and be the caregiver when the primary caregiver needs to take time off? How will taking on some of the caregiving responsibilities affect the family you’re raising and your job? Will you be able to get time off work if an emergency arises?
What else can you do?
You can also get organized by keeping records about your family member’s medical condition, any financial information or legal issues. This especially helps if Mom or Dad live alone. Also, keep notes on contact numbers, account numbers, insurance information and any other pertinent information that you may need in an emergency.
In addition, you need to research information about a loved one’s illness and what treatment is needed and how often it’s needed depending on the condition of your loved one. This will help you to understand what stage a disease or illness is in and what to expect from it should this be your situation.
You can keep on top of medical conditions by scheduling phone conferences with healthcare providers about health issues if your loved one has any also. Just be sure to have your parent sign a release that allows a healthcare provider to discuss health issues with you.
Additionally, try to plan for emergencies by setting aside money and paid time off days in case something unexpected happens. Check into unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act. That way you have that information handy in case your time off that work allows doesn’t cover the length of time needed in an emergency.
Other issues
Sometimes when a parent becomes ill, family members will move closer or have Mom or Dad move closer to the family members. If neither of these options is workable, then in-home care can help. You can hire someone to come in and help with personal care, meals, and even light housework. It’s often a good option regardless.
Also, seek professional help with a geriatric care manager or social worker if you can’t be there to organize your loved one’s needed care. This can all be accomplished by phone calls, Skype or whatever social media needs to be used to get it done if you live a distance away and have to travel in an emergency. Once there, you can see how things are being managed or if changes must to be made. You can request daily reports additionally on health issues here.
Being a long-distance caregiver can be difficult, but it can be accomplished with planning and organization.
