In today’s world, families often find themselves spread across cities, states or even countries. While this geographic diversity has its perks, it also brings challenges — especially when it comes to caring for our aging loved ones. Long-distance caregiving is a reality for over 6 million caregivers in the United States, a number that is set to rise as our senior population grows. With approximately 50 million seniors now living in the U.S., a number projected to exceed 80 million by 2040, the need for effective communication and planning has never been greater.
START THE CONVERSATION EARLY
While many seniors are active and independent, it’s crucial to have open discussions about aging before crises arise. Delaying these conversations can lead to hurried decisions made under stress. By initiating discussions about care preferences, you can ensure that your loved ones’ wishes are honored.
HERE ARE SOME STEPS TO HELP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY PREPARE:
Start a plan:
Organize a family meeting to discuss the wishes and preferences with your elder relatives. This proactive approach puts everyone on the same page.
Designate a primary caregiver:
Identify a family member or trusted friend to take on the primary caregiving role. This person can be local or long-distance and will be the point of contact for coordinating care.
Organize important documents:
Consolidate all legal, financial and medical information in one easily accessible location. Ensure that the primary caregiver has the necessary power of attorney and that all critical documents — such as wills, Medicare information, long-term insurance policies and advance medical directives — are organized and available; the primary caregiver should have copies.
Build a community:
Compile a list of important contacts, including neighbors, friends, church family, doctors and service providers. Having reliable names and numbers can be invaluable in emergencies. Consider including local businesses that offer grocery delivery, pharmacy delivery, household repairs and meal delivery.
Communicate often:
Use technology to stay in touch. Regular phone calls, video calls, texts and emails can keep you connected and informed about your loved one’s wellbeing and boost his or her morale. Your loved one may sound great on the phone, but a video call gives you that “eyes-on” assurance.
Assess safety and independence:
Regularly check in on your loved one’s living situation. Are there safety concerns? Would a camera doorbell give you peace of mind? Is he or she able to manage daily tasks? Understanding your loved one’s level of independence helps guide your caregiving decisions.
Utilize in-home technology:
Video monitors, remote door locks and light switches, wearable activity trackers, electronic medication dispensers, telehealth, phone apps for fall notification and emergency response are all valuable tools for long-distance caregivers. There are lots of options that can be monitored daily.
Don’t delay planning:
Aging is a journey that requires foresight. As circumstances change, revisit your caregiving plan to ensure it continues to meet your loved one’s needs. Before the need becomes critical, take the time to research local options in non-medical home care, medical home care, assisted living and senior housing.
With the right tools and strategies, long-distance caregiving can be manageable. By embracing technology, fostering open communication and preparing in advance, families can navigate challenges confidently. Remember, the earlier you start the conversation, the smoother the path will be for everyone involved. Your aging loved ones deserve to feel supported, loved and connected — no matter the distance.
Lee Ann Newman is the publisher of the Seniors Blue Book of Southern Mississippi. She can be reached at leeann@seniorsbluebook.com.