By: Rachel Poe
Some caregiving situations require the services of a long distance caregiver. According to the National Institute of Aging, a long distance caregiver is someone that lives an hour or more away from a person who needs aid.
What are some of the roles of a long distance caregiver? Depending on the relationship, some duties may include home care, money management, medical correspondence with professionals, legal paperwork, medicinal disbursement, emotional support, family informant, etc.
Having recently been the daughter of a long distance caregiver, I received some recommendations and advice for anyone that may be starting or struggling with the process of long distance support. These can be used by both long distance and nearby caregivers!
Learn the health issues that you are caring for. While medical professionals have been well trained, it is important to do your fair share of research to understand emergency situations, possible side effects, signs of medical progressions, and terminology so you can articulate to someone about their needs. Organizations like the Red Cross (and others) offer classes that may be able to help educate on some care procedures, first aid, emergency actions, or health diagnosis information.
Gain knowledge or access to personal accounts. While this may depend on your relation or position with this person, it is critical to gather an idea of their estate preparation, lists of bills and subscriptions, set up dual authorization on accounts, and ensure their accounts remain in good standing.
For example, if you are the caregiver to someone who can no longer drive, this should be a flag to revisit insurances, car payments, radio or toll subscriptions, etc.
Create a contact list! This is important for both yourself and the individual you are assisting. Keeping a proper record in phones, on the fridge, on the door, etc. can be a time and stress saver if a specific person or company is needed. Likewise, keep a calendar specific to your person’s schedule! This can include appointments, visiting days, deliveries, due dates, payments, medicinal reminders, etc.
Because caregiving may be required from out of state, it is a good idea to get to know the community, neighbors, doctors, etc. within the area of your person. Many older individuals remain in their location due to having an emotional attachment or living in the same house for years. Identify those that interact with your relative on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Again, get and share contact information, ask them to glance at the lawn, see if the car has moved, lights are changing in the house, etc.
In addition to #4 - find ways to be present even though you are not physically present with a person. Ways to do this include connecting them with family members and close friends through basic social media. Invest in something like a GrandPad or IPad that allows simple communication and keeps them involved in information and with family.
I have personal experience with a GrandPad and they are a great tool for keeping communication simple, easy, and efficient.
Set up a visiting schedule with your person; put in on their calendar. This not only gives them reliability and a schedule, but also gives them something to look forward to. In addition, create time blocks on your calendar to call them throughout the periods that you are not visiting.
For example - if you visit them monthly for a week at a time, use those other three weeks in the month to call “x times” a week to check in.
Take advantage of services! Do not feel like you have to do it ALL! Take a look at your budget and the budget of whom you are caring for. Do they have any recurring services in place that can help? Lawn? Cleaning? Pet Walker? Is there an opportunity for pre-made meal delivery? Discuss these things! This can also go hand in hand to your community outreach in #4. Delegating or hiring out those monthly duties listed can not only be a time saver, but will also allow you to spend quality time for the period you are visiting.
Resources: (This is not an all encompassing list, but merely some ideas to get you thinking of some services near you!)
Hello Fresh - food delivery
Home Chef - food delivery
Schwans - food delivery
Rover.com - pet walkers
Angie’s List - repairs, maintenance, lawn
Care.com - cleaning, general care, errands
While every caregiving situation is unique, it is important to grasp that you are not alone. Hopefully some of these tips have resonated with you; feel free to reach out to us if there are additional recommendations we can add. Above all, seek out your family, community, government, and local resources to see how you and your loved ones can increase support for your needs.