Helpful Hints for Long-Distance Caregiving
Being a caregiver can be rewarding but also draining. In many cases, caregivers and those they care for live nearby or even together. However, some people serve as long-distance caregivers or distance caregivers. These are caregivers who live an hour or more away from the person they are supporting.1
Long-distance caregiving is common. Some estimates suggest that as many as 11 percent of caregivers do so from a distance.2
Distance caregiving adds challenges
Caregiving is already a hard role at times. It can be stressful and lead to burnout. Some of the main barriers involved in caregiving are more difficult when distance is involved.
Things like needing to take time off of work, plan travel, and coordinate activities are harder from afar. These issues can also lead to added expenses. Not having easy access to medical information and appointments can also be a barrier.2,3
All of these factors take a toll on both caregivers and those they care for, especially for those not close by. However, there are things you can do to make distance caregiving a bit easier.
Keep a regular check-in time and shared schedule
Setting up specific, regular times to connect with your loved one can keep you both accountable. It can also be an event for the 2 of you to look forward to.3
Depending on location, your meeting can be in-person or virtual using things like FaceTime or Zoom. How often and how you meet is up to you, but knowing something is regularly on the books can be comforting.
It can also be helpful to keep a shared digital calendar (like a Google calendar) with events. These may include doctors’ appointments, bill payments, social plans, and more. Keeping all events in one place and trying to schedule things at regular time points can reduce confusion and set realistic expectations.4
Embrace technology for connection and support
If your loved one is comfortable with virtual tools like Zoom or FaceTime, wider connections can be made. Meetings with children, grandchildren, and friends grow the network of support and provide you with some relief.2,3
Outside of social connection, there are tools you can use to help monitor your loved one from afar. Wearable activity trackers, electronic locks or lights, and smart home systems that can be accessed remotely can help keep an eye on those you are caring for when you cannot be physically present.2
Find new ways to engage
One of the hardest things about being a distance caregiver is missing medical appointments. However, just as technology is being used in personal lives, it is also being used in medicine. Many healthcare teams are using virtual tools and will let caregivers use these to be a part of visits. This can cut back on travel time and coordination while keeping everyone on the same page.2
Being a caregiver sometimes means being part of financial or personal planning. This may mean helping organize medical paperwork, bills, legal documents, shopping lists, and more.
New technologies, apps, and online health portals can be used to tackle these issues from anywhere around the world, pending your loved one’s permission. Plus, research about your loved one’s medical condition, possible treatments, and outcomes can also be found online. Learning as much as possible about the condition at hand can help arm you for anything.2-4
Seek many types of support
When it comes to caring from far away, in-person support options that are local to your loved one may be helpful. These include services from the Administration on Aging, insurance benefits, volunteer services, or certain health foundations. Transportation, meal delivery, grocery help, and chore assistance may be provided by these groups.2-4
Your loved one’s doctor is a great place to ask about services in their area. In some cases, hiring in-home support, when possible, may be helpful. It may be hard to feel as though you are not the primary caregiver at times, but having an extra set of hands may relieve stress.2-4
Support does not only apply to your loved one. Caregiver burnout is real and can be prevented. Taking time for self-care, joining a support group (in person or online), and creating a network of friends and family who can chip in all ease caregiver fatigue.2
Paying attention to your stress and adjusting as needed can help you continue to be the best caregiver possible, even from far away.
Prioritize quality time
It is easy to get caught up in healthcare-related details when you are with your loved one. However, missing out on quality bonding time can lead to strain on your relationship.
Taking time to find moments of joy outside of their health journey can keep you both connected. Finding a hobby to enjoy together, taking a walk, listening to music, or anything else that brings you both a smile can be a welcome relief from the planning and anxiety that come with chronic health conditions.2
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