10 Long-Distance Caregiving Tips: Help Elderly Parents from Afar

Caring for an aging parent is tough-doing it from hundreds of miles away? Even tougher.

Over 37 million Americans are caregivers for a senior loved one, according to recent data. And a growing number are doing so from a distance. And it's not just a little inconvenient; it's emotionally, financially, and physically exhausting. Long-distance caregivers supporting older adults spend an average of $12,000 a year out of their own pocket, and nearly half report feeling emotionally burned out.

So how do you manage the heavy lifting of caregiving when you're not there? You rely on smart strategies and the right tools.

Here are 10 actionable tips for long-distance caregivers. These will help you provide care, stay connected, and keep your sanity intact-all from afar.

How to Help Elderly Parents from a Distance

1. Using Technology to Stay Connected

Staying connected with your elderly parent is the foundation of long-distance caregiving.

Thankfully, technology makes it easier to stay informed and involved, even from miles away.

Here are a few ways to stay in the loop:

• Create a list for contact information: Share a document with phone numbers and emails for doctors, caregivers, and local contacts. Adding a friendly neighbor's phone number can be helpful. Keep it updated so everyone has access.
• Use a shared calendar: Coordinate with family members using a shared calendar app. This keeps track of appointments and caregiving duties.
• Join family meetings: If your parent is in a senior living community, join a Family Meeting with the care team via video call to stay up to date on your loved one's health.
• Set up and teach tech: Help your parent get comfortable using video calls, text messages, and email on their phone or tablet so they can easily communicate with you and others in the family.

With solutions like JubileeTV, staying connected becomes even simpler. With JubileeTV families can video call and share photos and videos on their aging loved one's TV. It removes the tech barriers and keeps connections strong, no matter the distance.

2. Staying Updated on Health Concerns

Keeping open lines of communication with your parent's health care providers and medical professionals is crucial.

Whenever possible, join your parent's telehealth visits.

These video appointments allow you to stay informed about their health and personal care without being physically there. With permission, you could also set up regular check-ins with their doctor, and make sure you have access to their medical records.

Many healthcare systems offer online patient portals, which can be helpful for monitoring your loved one's health from a distance. Staying proactive will help you address health issues early on.

For parents with dementia, frequent communication is even more important. Dementia-related health issues can escalate quickly, so frequent monitoring and communication are vital. Dementia technology helps detect small changes in mood, behavior, or physical ability early. This way you can intervene before they become bigger problems.

3. Managing Medications

Managing medications can present unique challenges for long-distance caregivers.

Make sure your parent has a clear, simple system for taking their medications. Things like pill organizers and automated medication dispensers can help your loved one stay on track.

Family caregivers can also set up medication reminders through platforms like JubileeTV. The technology displays medication alerts directly on their TV screen so they're never missed. Plus you can get notified when they see the reminder for added peace of mind.

4. Coordinating Reliable Local Resources and Support

Even the most resourceful adult children can't handle everything from a distance. It's essential to build a local support network.

For example, enlist the help of friends, neighbors, or hire professional caregivers to assist. They can help with tasks such as meal preparation, errands, installing adaptive equipment, and transportation.

A geriatric care manager, social worker or local care manager can make life easier. They'll help you identify available services in your parent's area. Knowing you have trustworthy support nearby can provide immense peace of mind.

5. Financial and Legal Considerations

Managing finances and legal matters is another key aspect of long-distance caregiving. Ensure that your parent has a will, power of attorney, and any other necessary legal documents in place.

Understand who is legally responsible for making health-care decisions for them as a care recipient.

You may also need access to their financial accounts to handle bills or monitor spending. Apps and online banking services can simplify this process, allowing you to manage finances remotely.

6. Ensuring a Safe Home Environment

A safe home environment is essential for your loved one's well-being, especially when you're not around to check in regularly.

Start by conducting a thorough home safety assessment. Look for common hazards like loose rugs, poor lighting, or cluttered walkways. Help reduce fall risk with grab bars in the bathroom, securing handrails on staircases, and adding motion sensor lights.

Other adaptations, such as shower chairs, raised toilet seats, or bed rails, can improve safety and make daily activities easier for your parent. Smart home devices like security cameras and motion sensors are also valuable tools that can help you monitor your loved one's environment remotely. These changes give you peace of mind even when you're not physically present.

Internal Resource >> Download and share this checklist to use while conducting a home safety assessment.

7. Encouraging Social Engagement

Social isolation is a common concern for elderly parents living alone.

Encourage your loved one to stay socially active by organizing family meetings or group video calls. Local senior centers or social groups can also provide opportunities for them to stay engaged in their community.

If other friends and family don't live nearby or leaving the house is a challenge, consider hiring a reputable caregiving professional. They can play different roles including personal care tasks and providing social interaction.

8. Recognizing Signs of Emotional Distress

Depression is among the most common mood disorders in seniors in the United States, and research shows it often goes undiagnosed.

For an older person, changes in routine, withdrawal from activities, or even shifts in TV-watching habits can be early warning signs. Pay close attention to subtle changes in mood, energy levels, or behavior.

Tools like JubileeTV can help by tracking daily routines. Watching TV for longer hours or changes in their daily routine may indicate emotional distress.

In addition to monitoring through technology, regular phone calls and video chats can help you better understand their emotional state and effectively address the older person's needs.

If you sense something is off, don't hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional. You may also want to explore local in-home care services that specialize in emotional and psychological support for seniors. Early intervention can make a significant difference in managing and improving their well-being.

9. Planning for In-Person Visits

When you're finally able to visit your aging parent in person, it's crucial to make the most of your time. A little planning goes a long way in ensuring the visit is productive yet enjoyable for both you and your loved one.

• Start by talking to your parent ahead of time to find out what they'd like to do during your visit. Also, check in with the primary caregiver, if applicable, to see what help they need-you might be able to take on some of their responsibilities while you're there.
• Setting clear goals for the visit is key. Prioritize the most critical tasks, but don't try to do everything. Some items can wait for a future trip.
• Don't let caregiving duties or medical care consume the entire visit. Make time for activities unrelated to caregiving, like watching a movie together, looking at family photos, playing a game, or even just going for a drive.

These moments of connection are just as important for your parent's emotional well-being as any practical tasks you accomplish. Simple, relaxing activities help strengthen your relationship and provide a much-needed respite from the usual caregiving grind.

10. Self-Care for Long-Distance Caregivers

Long-distance caregivers face unique financial and emotional burdens, so it's essential to prioritize your well-being.

Nearly half of long-distance caregivers report emotional stress, higher than caregivers who live closer to their loved ones. Long-distance caregivers providing senior care also tend to spend more out-of-pocket on care-related expenses, including travel and paid help.

This combination of financial and emotional strain can be overwhelming. And it highlights the need for support, tools, and services that make caregiving easier.

Seek emotional support from friends, family, or professional counselors if needed. Consider joining a caregiver support group. You'll receive valuable resources and advice on managing the challenges of long-distance caregiving.

What Tasks Can Long-Distance Caregivers Help With?

Long-distance caregiving involves much more than just emotional support. Even from different cities there are many practical tasks you can manage. This will ease the burden on local caregivers and ensure your loved one gets the best care possible.

Here's how you can contribute from a distance:

• Assist with finances: Help manage money, insurance claims, or pay bills online.
• Arrange for care management: Hire formal caregivers, such as home health aides, to provide in-home care.
• Order supplies: Ensure medical equipment, medicines, and other supplies are regularly stocked and delivered.
• Serve as an information coordinator: Research health conditions, medications, and oversee insurance benefits to make informed care decisions.
• Advance care planning: Help set up important legal documents, such as a healthcare proxy or living will.
• Organize important paperwork: Assist in finding, organizing, and updating crucial records like medical files and insurance paperwork.
• Research long-term care options: Investigate future care facilities like assisted living or nursing homes to ensure your loved one's long-term needs are met.

While you manage these tasks, you'll likely need to coordinate with local family members, friends, or caregivers. Sharing responsibilities ensures that everything is handled efficiently and that no one person becomes overwhelmed.

Simplifying Long-Distance Caregiving with JubileeTV

Managing caregiving from afar doesn't have to be overwhelming.

With the help of technology like JubileeTV, long-distance caregivers can simplify communication, monitor well-being, and stay connected with their loved ones in a meaningful way. By implementing these ten tips and using the right tools, you can provide the support your elderly parent needs without being physically present.