Long-Distance Caregiving

Beth and Ellen

Beth moved her mother into her house with the immediate family, and over the last two year's has become her mother's full-time caregiver. Beth's sister, Ellen, lives 600 miles away. Ellen only gets to see her mother a couple of times a year. Beth is becoming overwhelmed as a caregiver for mother AND her own growing family, she is experiencing burnout and her own health is starting to show the signs of excessive stress. Worse yet, Beth is starting to resent Ellen and even though they talk almost every day the conversations are becoming shorter and more difficult. Ellen's health is also suffering due to the great guilt she carries that she cannot help her sister more and be there for her mother. 

Sound familiar?

Many families are unaware of the various roles and responsibilities long-distance caregivers can adopt to become part of the support system for their older family members (and their siblings).

Consider these caregiver needs that can be done from afar...

  1. Stay Connected: Regularly call or video chat to check in.

  2. Coordinate Care: Help manage medical appointments, arrange transportation, or coordinate with local caregivers to offer respite for in-person caregiver.

  3. Organize Finances: Assist with bills, insurance, or budgeting remotely.

  4. Leverage Technology: Use apps for medication reminders, health monitoring, or grocery delivery.

  5. Build a Local Support System: Connect with neighbors, friends, or community services for hands-on assistance.


What if you are an only child, how can you help your parent stay independent? 

Consider these options...

  1. Professional In-Home Care: Hire trained caregivers for daily needs.

  2. Care Management Services: Work with a geriatric care manager to oversee local care.

  3. Community Resources: Enlist local senior centers or volunteer programs.

  4. Monitoring Tools: Install medical alert systems or smart home devices for safety.


Navigating Solo-Aging?

Just because you live alone doesn't mean you don't have support. I can help you create a plan of action and a HOME TEAM whether close or long distance to help you stay independent with the support you need.

Call me, let's create a your plan of action together!

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