10 Essential Tips for Long-Distance Caregivers: Supporting Aging Loved Ones from Afar

Your aging mom lives by herself. She doesn’t drive anymore, so she’s lost touch with her friends and given up her hobbies. You visit as often as you can but, because she lives in Missouri and you live in Nebraska, you worry it’s not often enough. 

“At HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN), we understand how difficult long-distance caregiving can be,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations director at HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN) “Family members often feel guilty because they want to spend more time with their aging loved ones and help with day-to-day tasks, but distance limits what they’re able to do.”

Here are ten tips to help you help long distance caregivers overcome some of the challenges.

1. Understand Your Role: Evaluate What You Can and Cannot Do

Are you good with money? If so, you can offer to manage the finances. If you’re an organizer, you can coordinate home maintenance, arrange transportation or put together a calendar for friends and neighbors who want to visit or bring meals. Once you figure out what you can do, you’ll be able to identify and fill caregiving gaps.

2. Create a Flexible Care Plan with Family Input

If possible, bring family members together for a meeting, so you can determine your loved one’s primary needs, who can provide assistance and what community resources might be available. Make sure everyone knows the care plan will likely change as your loved one’s needs change.

3. Keep Important Contact Information at Your Fingertips

Make sure you have contact information for doctors, nurses, pharmacies, neighbors and other family members – and make sure they know how to reach you 24/7. 

4. Organize and Secure Necessary Paperwork

Find all legal, financial and insurance documents, including birth certificates, social security cards, marriage or divorce decrees, wills,  power of attorney and bank accounts. Review the documents for accuracy, update if necessary and store them in a secure place. 

5. Plan Visits That Balance Tasks and Quality Time

Coordinate the timing of your visits, so you can help with doctor’s appointments, shopping, routine home maintenance and other tasks. Be sure to also enjoy some quality time with your loved one.

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

It can be hard to ask for help but the reality is, you can’t manage everything by yourself. Consider asking local friends or neighbors to check in periodically and see if they would be willing to be on standby in the event of an emergency.

7. Regularly Reassess Your Loved One’s Care Needs

Each time you visit, carefully assess the situation to make sure your loved one’s needs are being met.

8. Leverage Local Aging Resources and Support Networks

Contact your loved one’s church, local department on aging and other organizations to see if they can help with meal delivery, transportation or other activities.

9. Consider Professional Caregivers for Added Support

Professional caregivers can be a lifeline for families navigating long-distance caregiving. They can help with everything from companionship, daily chores and personal care. Home Care can also provide much needed peace of mind when you’re not able to be there.

10. Prioritize Self-Care to Be the Best Caregiver You Can Be

Caregiving can be demanding – even from a distance. Make sure you make time to replenish – eat well, get plenty of rest and exercise daily. If you’re exhausted or rundown, you won’t be a great caregiver. 

Long-distance caregiving can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can provide meaningful support to your loved ones. 

“If your loved one needs more help than family members and friends provide, we can help,” Goetz said. “Our trained professional caregivers can assist with transportation, meal prep, light housekeeping, personal care, Alzheimer’s care and more. Whether it’s a few hours a week or 24/7, we will work with you to develop a customized care plan that meets your family’s unique needs.” 

To learn how we can help you with caregiving responsibilities, visit hcan.com or call your local HCAN-supported office.