The Challenges of Long-Distance Caregiving

Caregiving is harder when seniors are out of sight, but not out of mind

It’s difficult enough to care for an elderly loved one who lives near you, but when you live many miles away, the separation can completely complicate caregiving. When your loved one is living out of sight, concerns about the person’s safety, nutrition and health can be overwhelming at times, because they’re never out of mind. And the task of caring for them can be difficult, stressful, and time consuming; if not altogether impossible.

An estimated 15 percent of the 34 million Americans who care for aging parents are considered long-distance caregivers, defined as living an hour or more away from their relative or loved one. As a result, a growing number of adult sons and daughters are discovering just how hard it is to try to ensure the welfare of aging parents who live hundreds, sometimes thousands, of miles away. Read the National Institute on Aging’s free guide: “So Far Away: 20 Questions And Answers About Long-Distance Caregiving”.

Many long-distance caregivers act as money managers, medical visit arrangers, and information coordinators, as well as helping aging parents understand the confusing maze of home health aides, insurance benefits, and durable medical equipment. It’s a lot to take on and quite often caregivers come to realize they’re going to need help. Fortunately, help is available.

Many caregivers in need turn to the professional services of a Geriatric Care Manager (GCM). A GCM is a health and human services specialist who helps families who are caring for older relatives. The GCM is trained and experienced in any of several fields related to care management, including nursing, gerontology, social work, or psychology.

Other caregivers consider it might be time to find in-home care for their senior loved one or full-time care in a retirement living community or assisted living facility. There’s help for that too. If it’s come time to find home care, hospice, or a senior living residence for a parent or other loved one, visit alternativesforseniors.com. There, you can find a wealth of information about senior apartments, independent-living, assisted-living, Alzheimer’s specialty care, and continuing-care communities where your loved one will be cared for lovingly. You can also call Alternatives for Seniors’ Senior Specialists at (888) WE-ASSIST (888-932-7747) to receive personal help with selecting the right senior residence and care