HELP! I'm a long distance caregiver...Part 1

Posted: April 29, 2016, 7:08PM

Caregiving is challenging when you live close to your care receiver. When you live at a distance, the challenge increases! There are some things you can do to make the task a bit less daunting, and help prepare you if the road gets rough.

This is the first in a short series of help tips for long distance caregivers. Local caregivers will want to follow the tips, too!

First, gather information. Create a file of information about your care receiver. Make sure the file is handy and don't forget where you put it! Gather information on medical, legal and financial details. Include names, addresses, phone numbers and emails of doctors, lawyers, accountants, bankers, and insurance carriers. Keep a list of medications, dosages, pharmacy(ies) and any allergies. Where are documents kept? Make sure you have a copy of the medical / durable powers of attorney. Where is the will? Where are insurance policies, house deed, car title(s) and other important information. Is your care receiver a veteran? Where are VA papers including the DD-214 (proving military service)? The National Caregivers Library at caregiverslibrary.org has some forms to help guide you. Get this information together before an emergency arises!

Identify the care receiver's support system. Who are neighbors, friends, church family, local veteran affiliations? Do you have their contact information? Local contacts can be your eyes and ears for everyday contact, as well as serve as go-to people in an emergency.

What are local resources? Do you know who provides in home assistance? Home delivered meals? Do you have questions about Medicare, legal or financial concerns? Are you looking at a higher level of care? What is available for your loved one? You can contact us for assistance through this website! We'll be happy to help. Area Agencies on Aging are also great resources for identifying local resources.

Develop a care plan. You may want to have a family meeting which you can do in person, by phone or on line. Include your care receiver if they are cognitively able to contribute and participate. They need to voice their concerns and wishes if they are able. Who can provide what type of assistance? Who can serve as primary and secondary caregivers? Make sure you know where your relatives and other caregivers stand in regard to caring for your loved one. Contact us for a Family Caregiver Checklist which will help identify needs and tasks, and help each family member understand what can (and cannot) be expected of them.

Our next post will identify a few more steps in facilitating care from a distance!