5 Tips for Long-Distance Caregiving

How to Care of Aging Parents Long Distance

By Paul Bridgewater

You live in Detroit and your father lives in Atlanta, how can you take care of him when you don’t see him every day? Although you speak to him regularly, how can you be sure he’s all right when you’re so far away? 


 It’s not an easy task caring for a loved one from a long distance, yet an estimated 34 million Americans do so, and a 2013 Pew Research Center study indicates 40 percent of Americans are caregivers for parents and relatives with significant health challenges. The average distance is 750 miles.

Before a major health crisis, you can take steps to ensure you’re prepared. Organizations such as the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP offer a plethora of tips and resources to help. Angela Heath, director of the Eldercare Locator Hotline of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging compiled a list of helpful strategies to help in her book, “Long-Distance Caregiving: A Survival Guide for Far Away Caregivers.”

Here are some steps to get organized and create a care plan:

§  Get paperwork together – Gather all insurance, financial and legal documents such as birth certificates, Social Security cards, a will and marriage or divorce decrees. Make sure your parents have executed a power of attorney to give you (or another trustworthy individual), the legal authority to act on their behalf.  While your parent is still cognizant of their affairs, compile a list of: bank account numbers; credit cards; sources of income; outstanding bills; and copies of homeowner’s, auto and medical insurance policies. Put together names, phone and account numbers for utility companies, including gas, electric, cable, and phone. Organize the documents, make duplicate copies and store them in a secure place such as a safe deposit box at a bank or a fire proof box and keep them at home.

§  Know Close Friends and Neighbors – Compiling a contact list of friends, a neighbor, spiritual leader, doctors and anyone in regular communication with your parents who can be reached in an emergency may be a lifesaving measure. Identify at least one trusted friend or neighbor who can regularly stop by to see about your loved ones. Strongly consider giving this person a key, if your parent agrees.  

§  Manage medical information – Get copies of medical records, their doctors and pharmacy names and telephone numbers, a list of their prescribed medications.

§  Make Visits Count – Enjoy your time with your parent, but make the most out of visits. Take him or her shopping, and check the refrigerator and cabinets for spoiled and expired food. Go through unopened mail, old papers and magazines. Pay attention to what they’re eating. Schedule appointments in advance so you can go while you’re there. Change lightbulbs and smoke detector batteries. Repair damaged flooring and or other potential health hazards to correct.

§  Get help – To find local resources and information, contact the Eldercare Locator at (800) 677-1116 or visit http://bit.ly/seniorhelp and enter your zip code for a local referral. This is a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging. 

Paul Bridgewater, President and CEO, Detroit Area Agency on Aging (DAAA), hosts "The Senior Solution" on WCHB Newstalk 1200AM, Saturdays at 10 a.m. DAAA is located at 1333 Brewery Park Blvd., Suite 200, Detroit, MI 48207; (313) 446-4444;  www.daaa1a.com