How to Help Parents Long Distance

When your elderly parents live in another city or state, and have a change in their health the challenges of caregiving can seem overwhelming. But, there are strategies tips and caregiving resources that can help with long-distance caregivers. Keep reading to find out the different tips and tricks to help parent long distance. 

Challenges of Caregiving from a Distance: 

1. Deciding on Primary Caregiver: 

When trying to figure out who is the main caregiver in the first place can be a challenge. Especially if siblings or other immediate and extended family can not agree on roles. If you are the primary caregiver, then you’ll be the one faced with much of the research and decision making, despite how far you live. 

1. Juggling Career & Family:

In addition, a big portion of long-distance caregivers are “sandwich caregivers”. These adult children not only take care of their own friends and family, but their aging parents. These people often need more adjustments to their schedules to accommodate their caregiving responsibilities. 

1. New Sources of Financial Strain: 

Next, long distance caregivers are often spending more money per month out-of-pocket on average for their loved ones. Caregivers have reported spending an extra $193 dollars a month and $199 dollars on travel expenses. All of which adds up overtime, and can be stressful for most families. 

1. Assessing Needs & Resources: 

Lastly, it can be troubling to determine when your parent(s) or loved ones need you. Especially, if they are not willing to communicate their needs. Also, researching resources or senior local care can be hard. So, it’s important to go through the list of things you will need to do, before taking care of your loved ones properly. 

Long Distance Caregiving Tips: 

Fortunately, there are tips for long-distance caregivers and family members to follow and 

 make the process easier. Keep reading to learn more about strategies and care services you can use to help your parents long-distance. 

1. Schedule Meetings:

You can and should schedule family meetings to discuss decisions ahead of time. Make sure to organize important documents and paperwork before you need them. Also, gather all necessary contact information for concerned individuals. It will allow to make things go more smoothly in the event your loved one’s situation changes. 

1. Seek Knowledge Parties: 

This can be valuable if you face the situation where you need to look for long term care or caregiver support at a distance, such as community organizations, assisted living, nursing homes, aging agencies, law attorneys. These groups such as these, can help you determine what kind of senior care will best fit your loved one’s needs and budget. 

1. Care Notebook: 

This will make help long-distance caregivers in that information will be kept in a central place to keep in order. There are a number of different templates you can purchase or you can make your own. Be sure that this notebook contains current information on your parent’s prescriptions, chronic illnesses, and other important information. 

1. Prepare All Documents: 

One of the most important things any family caregiver should have prepared are important documents. These include, Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, Durable Power of Attorney for Asset Management. These in particular should be prepare before a health condition makes it impossible for your parent or loved one. 

1. Changes Can Happen: 

Lastly, it’s important to note that care needs will change over time. It’s not too early to think about possible future needs. So, once you locate resources, such as their attorney/social worker, who are experienced in planning eldercare, as well as the other points discussed, a lot of options can be considered. 

So, while it may be difficult making important decision for your parents or loved one’s from long distance, it’s important to stay as structured as possible. Also, remember that you are not alone. There is plenty of help out there. But, if you have any questions regarding caregiving from a distance, please call our office at 561-440-2273 for our lake worth office, and 561-282-6106 for our Palm Beach Gardens office.