Long-Distance Caregiving
From Caring for Yourself While Caring for Your Aging Parents by Claire Berman
Those faced with the challenge of long-distance caregiving find the following helpful:
· Placing calls to check up on the parent and reassure themselves
· Paying visits to the parent as frequently as circumstances permit
· Identifying a trusted observer who will check in with the frail elder
· Networking services and service providers within the parent’s community
· Arranging for programs, like Meals on Wheels, to meet the older parent’s nutritional requirements
· Taking advantage of family leave opportunities at work and when necessary, utilizing the services of local agencies
· Employing a geriatric care manager or elder-law attorney to assess, and assist in meeting a parent’s needs
· Becoming knowledgeable about the parent’s illness or disability
· Offering help with financial matters
· Joining a support group
· Serving as a source of support to the parent and to the primary caregiver
