Long-distance caregiving and how to provide support.

Long-distance caregivers take on different roles.  When you have a loved one who is in need of health care support, living at a distance can make providing care challenging. Fortunately, there are options to help you as you assist your loved one from a distance. This includes establishing a health care team, utilizing resources available within the community and state level, also considering the use of technology.

Create a Health Care Team

Identify and build a relationship with your loved one's health care team. With their permission, introduce yourself to their care providers. You may be able to do this in person, during a family visit, or possibly by phone or a virtual call to help you effectively connect with health care providers. 

If your loved one is no longer able to make medical decisions on their own or needs you to help guide decisions, keep in mind many health care providers may require a health care proxy.  A health care proxy grants you permission based on their wishes to make medical decisions on their behalf.

Steps to consider when building a health care team.

1. Call and introduce yourself to all the members of the health care team.
2. If required, be sure to establish yourself as the healthcare proxy. This is important if your loved one is challenged to understand instructions they've been given or have trouble understanding healthcare information. Inform the providers so they know your role and advise you'll be calling from time to time to stay informed about your loved one's well-being. 
3. Schedule appointments with the care team when you are in town. An in-person meeting will improve the relationship and increase trust. 
4. In-person visit should also Include physical therapists and specialists.
5. Get to know the neighbors.In addition to your loved one's care providers, get to know the people around them. Who are the neighbors and who may be available to check in on them periodically? Is there a neighbor that you could contact in the event of a health emergency? Getting to know the neighbors can go a long way toward helping increase peace of mind. 

Take Advantage of Technology

Technology offers a great opportunity to stay connected with your family member without having to leave your home or workplace.  Inform your loved one the benefits of technology and consider what can help you manage daily activities.

Using technology can be an asset and does not have to be intrusive to your loved one’s residence. 

Consider the following technology to help you support your loved one from a distance.

1. Use mobile apps.Many mobile apps can link to smart technology within the home, from making it easier to turn on the lights to automating processes that may have become more difficult for your loved one. 
2. Home monitoring system.This will allow you to check in throughout the day or simply to say hello.
3. Make communication easier.Video chat using Skype, Facetime, and other video chat programs, you can easily check in face to face. You can also text regularly to check in. 
4. Schedule alerts.Technology also offers the ability to alert your loved one to pending appointments, time to take medications, and other key reminders that help streamline their day and improve overall health. 

Resources

Learn about elder care and community resources in the area.  Reach out to your loved one’s place of worship and community centers.  Understand the resources that are available at the city, county and state level. Listed below are a few resources to consider helping you get started.

• The Department of Aging: Georgia’s Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services
• Meals on Wheels:  Delivers hot meals directly to your loved one residence. 
• Transportation services: Offers transportation services for seniors.
• The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging: Provides information regarding specific resources available in your loved one's area. 
• The National Council on Aging: National organization providing information about aging services.
• Local YMCA and YWCA programs, which can help your loved one be more active. 

 It can be a challenge to be sure your loved one is being provided adequate care when you aren't able to be there yourself.  If your loved one is in need of short term rehabilitation or long term care, contact us to learn how Church Home LifeSpring can assist.